Chapter 4

Lana~

It’s been four hours.

Fours hours and I’ve not been able to sleep or even rest. My mind has decided to overthink things today which is not good.

Ellie always says to leave my head for a bit and see what’s going on but how can I when all I can think about is this weird bubbly feeling in my guts. Why does everything have to be so hard? Why can’t it just be chilled and not stressful?

I groaned, dragging my hand over my face, falling to the bed. I should probably speak to someone about this but who? Sasha and Ellie were totally out of it. Knowing them, they’d laugh at me first before telling me to give it time.

I can’t keep behaving like a doofus whenever Aaron is near me. It’s ruining my image over and over again, making me seem like some twelve years old dealing with hormonal imbalance.

My alarm dinged, letting me know I had less than forty minutes to get dressed for the party. Remind me again why I convinced Aaron to let us attend this party hours after we arrived in Greece? We really should be gathering our energy back but here I am trying to find something to wear.

I groaned, getting up from the bed and walking towards my bag. It was delivered hours ago. I dragged the bag over to the bed, pulling the zipper open and took out the content.

Thankfully, the Lana of yesterday was smart enough to pick out something formal to wear because if the Lana of today picked it out then I’ll be competing with Teletubbies.

I took out a black high waist pant trousers, pairing it with a chiffon black and peach low open back shirt. I set it on the bed and walked to the bathroom to have a bath. Once I was done, I stepped out, got dressed in the pant trousers and shirt, loving the feel of the fabric against my body. I decided to let my hair down, applying a bit of makeup to my face and also cologne.

Staring at my reflection through the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile. I pick my phone, taking a selfie and sent it to the group chat consisting of Ellie and Sasha. I knew they were probably having the movie night but should get the notifications soon.

In 3..2..1

A smile laid on my lips as I read their messages, Sasha sent a voice note, yelling about how good I look and how she wouldn’t waste time in 'wifing’ me up. Ellie on the other hand decided to scream with emojis. She literally sent every emoji there is.

The smile froze on my face upon seeing Aaron’s message, telling me the man was at the lobby with him and waiting for me. I shut t her phone, mentally reminding myself to reply Sasha and Ellie when I have the time. I grabbed my purse, making my way out of the room.

Minutes later I stepped out of the elevator, looking around the slightly busy lobby until my eyes caught sight of Aaron. He sat on the couch at the waiting area, his legs crossed against themselves. He has a navy blue suit on, looking like he is worth a million bucks. His honey brown hair was parted at the side a little, his gold/brown locks fell to a side of his forehead. My breathe hitched upon locking eyes with him. A shiver ran down my spine as his gaze slowly rake my build, his tongue darting out to lick his lower lip.

I willed myself to walk and not fucking embarrass myself again. How is it possible that these damn feelings only grow the more whenever I’m with him or see him. This has to be some black magic shit.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr Aaron and of course you too.” I say, smiling curtly yet politely at the man whose dimpled smile only grew wider.

“You weren’t so late, miss. You look very beautiful.” The man who’s name I’ve come to know as Brent says, a light shade of pink dusting on his cheeks, his smile dimming a bit but only looking more shy.

Huh? What’s this?

“Thank you,” I replied before averting my gaze to Aaron, hoping to catch his eye but he looked away immediately.

Aaron stood up, clearing his throat lightly “That’s fine, I think it’s best we leave now.”

“Of course, please follow me. Mr Bernard is looking forward to meeting you.” Brent replies, leading the way out of the hotel.

I glanced at Aaron who hadn’t said a word since, his jaw locked tightly, he looked angry but why? Did I say something to anger him?

Arrgh… Why do I even care? Why should I care about what he’s feeling?

We got into the Audi car provided for us by the company while Brent took another car. The entire journey to the place was quiet. Aaron was stuck on his phone, not even sparing a glance at me. While I decided to reply Sasha and Ellie. Minutes later we got to the party and got down from the car. Brent was beside us in a second, leading us into the event.

“Mr Bernard specifically requested that you be received specially.” Brent says as he lead us into the place.

There weren’t much people in here, over all there were like thirty people. It seemed to be a private affair, just to celebrate the milestone the company had achieved after all it’s not everyday you cross the 1 billion mark in the market, businesses like Mr Bernard tends to fail even before having a strong stand in the market so yes, it’s a huge deal to still be in the market ten years after and still bubbling at that.

Brent lead us to a three tier table exactly at the front like he had told us.

“Thank you.” I tell him, his dimples smile made it’s way back again. I dropped my purse on the table, making a move to pull my chair aside only to have two extra hand on the same chair at the same time.

Umm..

Aaron and Brent held the chair at the same time to pull it aside for me? I watched as Aaron quirked an eyebrow up at Brent who immediately let go of the chair, smiling awkwardly and fixing his already okay suit.

“Thank you, sir.” I whispered to Aaron who hummed in response, also settling on the chair beside me.

“You can go have your fun, Brent. You’ve been of great help already but you don’t need to worry about Lana. She’s in good hands.” Aaron’ says but it came out snarky and patronizing. I raised my eyebrows at his words and tone. Shaking my head lightly, wondering why Aaron was acting like a jerk to Brent who has been nothing but kind to us.

“Brent has been very good to us.” I dragged out, hoping Aaron would leave the poor man alone now but it only seemed to tick him off the more judging by his locked jaw.

“Right, he’s been so good.” He gritted out.

“Um.. excuse me.” Brent says, voice coming out a little shaky and he scampered away. I couldn’t blame the man, Aaron was acting like he has a personal beef with him.

“What’s your deal?” I hissed lowly, eyes catching Mr Bernard who was now speaking to a couple not so far from us, his wife beside him, smiling widely at the couple. I already know they’re coming to us.

“What? Are you going to give me a lecture?” Aaron snapped, gaze hard.

“What? No. I just-“ I sighed, unable to complete my words.

“If it isn’t the youngest CEO I know, Aaron Carlsen.” Mr Bernard’s deep voice boomed in our midst. I mustered a smile, already standing up alongside Aaron to greet the elderly man.

“It’s an honor to have you in our midst, Aaron. I’ve heard so much about you from your father and I’ve looked forward to having a relationship with your company for a while now.” Mr Bernard says, a toothy grin making its way out of his lips.

“Of course, my dear husband has only sang your praises ever since the deal was finalized.” Mrs Bernard chipped in. The deal hasn’t officially been finalized, it should be by tomorrow though. While Mr Bernard is a short, slightly pot bellied man, his wife on the other hand looks exactly like Naomi Campbell. A tall, slender woman who exuded elegance, her black hair was trimmed and neatly tied into a low ponytail. She had a jumpsuit on but it only showed how gorgeous she is even with her age.

“Good evening Mr and Mrs Bernard.” I greeted, hoping my smile wasn’t too sweet nor weird.

“Oh my, she’s your girlfriend?” Mrs Bernard asked Aaron. I just knew my cheeks would be blazing red at her words. Aaron cleared his throat awkwardly, throwing in some 'ha ha’ around "No ma’am, she’s my assistant.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to have assumed.” She says to me but I shrug it off, not wanting to drag the issue more.

“Congratulations again, Mr Bernard. You’ve done so well and it amazes me how much you’ve done.” Aaron says, thankfully getting the weird cloud off. Mr and Mrs Bernard smiled widely as soon as he made the comment.

“Thank you, Aaron. You’re just like Eugene said. I hope to leave my son in this business just like he left you in charge of his.”

“Oh that reminds me, I was going to introduce you to him, he will be handling the contracts and everything within the company in the next six months so it’s better you see him.” Mr Bernard says, eyes already searching through the crowd for his son.

I knew exactly when he found him, his eyes lit up “Oh there he is.” He says as he beckoned on the man to come over.

“Liam has been following in my footsteps and will inherit the business. I think it would do him good if he becomes friends with you. What do you say, sweetheart?” He directed his last question to his wife who nodded in agreement.

“Father, you called for me.” A deep voice says from behind us, the man finally showed himself, now standing beside his father. Liam looks like an exact copy of his mother. He shouldn’t be more than 6’2 ft, deep dark hair, slightly tanned skin just like his father. His smile is an exact mirror of his mother. Definitely an handsome man but not more handsome than…

“Yes, this is Aaron Carlsen of the Carlen co-operations and I thought it would be good to introduce you to him, after all you will be working together for a while.” Mr Bernard chuckled.

“Ah..It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Liam utters, stretching his hand out to shake Aaron.

His eyes finally settled on me, a warm smile laid on his lips as he stretched his hand to shake me too “This is his assistant, Lana.” Mrs Bernard piped up, an even weirder smile laid on her lips.

“Definitely a pleasure to meet you, Lana.” Liam brought my hand up to his lips, leaving a light kiss there. I just know I look like I am painted in red powder.

“Likewise.” I replied, pulling my hand from his hold, tucking my hand behind, resisting the urge to clean my hand thoroughly. I felt Aaron’s gaze on me for a second and it was gone again.

“It would be so nice if you all were good friends. You’re all of the same age group, right? “ Mrs Bernard asks her son? Husband or maybe Aaron but no one reply’s her. I felt myself squirm under the hot gaze of Liam.

“Of course, mother. It would be amazing to be friends with Aaron and even better friends with Lana.”

I felt a shudder run down my spine. No, I do not want to be better friends. He is already ticking me wrong.

Mrs Bernard seemed content with that reply “You have to excuse us now but please enjoy the party.” She says, turning to look at Liam. I sighed as soon as his eyes were off me.

“Liam, please take care of our guests.” Mr Bernard says, nodding at us for the last time before walking along. Leaving Aaron and so with Liam.

The two immediately began to talk, excluding me out of the conversation. It went on for about ten minutes until Liam spoke to me.

“Would you like to dance with me?” He asks. I raised an eyebrow, surprised with what he said but he seemed dead serious, hand stretched out and waiting for my reply. I glance at Aaron whose face had hardened again, looking borderline angry.

Well, fuck.

“Of course, if Mr Carlsen doesn’t mind.” I replied, suppressing the smirk threatening to show.

If Aaron was surprised by what I said then he certainly had didn’t show it. Instead he gave a tight lipped smile and nodded.

I slipped my hand into Liam’s, standing up from the seat as he lead me to the dance floor. He wrapped his arm around my waist, placing my hand against his chest.

“You’re a very beautiful lady, Lana.” He whispers, eyes full with admiration? Infatuation?

“Thank you very much, sir.” I replied, trying to go back to the professional side. I felt my back burn hot, already knowing who was causing it. Images of the air hostess flirting with him came flashing through my head. My brain decided to play a game. Yes, I’ll blame it on my brain.

I smiled too sweetly at Liam, battling my eyelashes at him.

“Don’t call me sir, you don’t work for me so please call me Liam.” He replied, tugging me closer to him.

Help me, Jesus.

“Thank you Liam.” I replied, still feeling that one person’s eyes on me.

“I wish I met you sooner but it’s better late than never. I promise, I just need a chance to prove to you how much of a Queen you are. I’d worship you, every inch of you.” He whispers to me.

Aren’t we moving a little to fast, right now?

“Ah.” I had nothing else to say and just really wanted to be done with this dance except Aaron was on the dance floor too and with some lady.

I felt a sinking feeling in my guts, watching whoever the lady is giggle, throwing her head over his shoulder. His eyes caught mine for a second and it was gone again.

“Please excuse me, I need to use the restroom.” I tell Liam who nodded, already directing me to the restroom but I couldn’t care less nor wait to listen. I just need to clear my head.

I bursted out of a door that led to the garden, sighing softly as I stepped outside, holding unto the railings out here. People weren’t much here which made it even better. The noise, the people, Liam and Aaron were getting to me.

What the hell is going on with me? Why can’t I put my head in the game? Why am I acting like child denied of its favorite toy?

I groaned, facepalming myself.

He is your boss, Lana.

He is an unrepentant womanizer and you’ve seen it ever since you arrived here. Please stop! I pleaded with myself.

Just fucking stop.

“Stop what?” A familiar voice asked from behind me. I turned to see who it was only to see Aaron standing behind me, hands pocketed into his trousers.

Did he hear what I said? Oh goodness.

“Stop what? Why are you speaking to yourself?” He asked and maybe he didn’t hear me. I wrapped my arms against my chest.

“That’s none of your business. Don’t you have other things to do than be out here?” I snapped.

He quirked his eyebrows up, the faintest smirk ghosting his lips. "Oh yeah, like what?” He asked. I knew it. I knew he would do this so tell me why am I falling into his trap.

"Like dancing with that lady.” I snapped. I need a padlock. I need to lock my mouth before I end up embarrassing myself further.

He smirked slyly at me, taking a step closer to me "Are you jealous?”

I scoffed "Me? Jealous? You must even be more delusional than I thought.” I refuted, refusing to back down.

“So you weren’t jealous? Seeing her with me, seeing my arms wrapped around her waist didn’t make you jealous.” He says cockily. This fucker!

“No!” I refuted, rolling my eyes.

“Why would it? I was literally dancing with Liam.” His eyes darkened at the mention of Liam. I smirked internally on seeing his reaction. Two can play this game.

“You know what he said to me?” I took a step closer to him. “He wishes we met sooner, he thinks I’m the most prettiest person he’s ever laid his eyes on. He wants to treat me like the queen that I am. He wants to worship me.” I taunted, watching his face hardened the more, eyes darkening.

“Tell me, why would I be jealous when I have one of the most handsome men here tonight, telling me he’d love to worship me.” I raised an eyebrow, licking my lower lip.

“Stop.” His voice deep and hoarse. I felt butterflies erupt in my tummy, my knees weaken on hearing his voice but I willed myself to continue.

“Why? Maybe you’re the jealous one.” I clicked my tongue. He grabbed me by the arm, pulling me close to him, way too close. His chocolate and woody musky scent engulfing my nostrils, making my knees weaker than it already was. His hot breathe fanning against my face, just a tilt of my head and our lips…

I quirked an eyebrow up, a smirk ghosting my lips “You know what, Aaron?” I let my gaze drop to his full lips, wondering how it would feel against mine.

I look back at him “I would let him wors-“ I didn’t get to complete my sentence.

He slammed his lips against mine, silencing every word and thought in my head.