Chapter 2 2

2. TITILLATING PROPOSITION

Frustrated, I run a hand through my hair, picking up my phone I call my partner. "Jeremy!" I snap. "What are you doing? I need those files... Now!" I slam my phone down and cringe slightly at how rudely I'd just spoken to my best friend. It wasn't his fault I'd screwed up so badly with Mikel. I stand from my desk and walk out of my small office to the bosses room. Knocking lightly I wait for his response while his secretary glares at me.

"Come in," his gruff voice allows me to escape Danny.

I walk into the room on slightly weak knees, my boss is intimidating. "Sir, I was wondering if you've had time to look over the Robinson's structural designs. The company has asked for adjoining stairs and I think it's possible to do. I was just wondering if there would be any implications with the process?" I state. Knowing fully well that the suited man in front of me doesn't care for small talk.

He leans back from his desk and folds his arms, "I don't see any problems either just be careful with OSHA. I don't need those bastards on my ass," oh the man had his way with words.

"Yes sir." I nod and excuse myself from the room so he can get back to his job. Working for Paul has it's ups, I love architecture and the pay is generous. But... it also has it's downs, sometimes I have this empty feeling, a kind of nagging in the back of my mind that won't leave me alone. Cursing my drifting thoughts I rush past Danny and head back to my office. Closing the door behind myself I walk around the desk and take a seat before tapping away an email to the owner of Robinson International, a multimillion dollar hotel branch.

My stomach grumbles just as my door is pushed open and a soon to be dead Jeremy enters. Before I can say something he rushes out an explanation, "I tried to get them to sign. But that damn men wanted to have a freakin cocktail with their five course meal. I do however have their signatures." He places three green files on my glass desk.

"Relax, I shouldn't of spoken to you like that." I sigh. "A lot has been going on. Either way we can tell the builders that the stairs are a go." I stand and smile wrapping my arms around his elbow and exiting the room.

"Where are we going?" He questions.

I give him a look, "to lunch of course."

"I hate your mode swings." He pouts.

"What mood swings?" I play innocent.

I've known Jeremy for several years, first meeting him in college. We'd both been absent on the first tutorial day and had been put in a group of three for our first assessment by default... And that was the beginning of a life long friendship. We head out of the building and across the street to our regular lunch stop. Danny is already seated at one of the tables so Jeremy and I quickly give our orders and take a seat opposite the pouting girl. "Okay out with it!" I demand.

"Jemmy boy over here told me you'd gotten some and I'm quite appalled to be honest!" She crosses her arms over her chest.

I look down ashamed, a soft blush coating over my cheeks. "I know, I know!" I cry throwing my hands up, "I'm embarrassed to even think about it... Wait a minute, Jemmy how exactly do you know this?" I raise my head and glare at the man sitting next to me. I had not told him of my notorious adventures.

He rings his hands together, "come on... You've been distracted from work this whole week and every time I ask about your mothers gathering you blush and look away. Not to mention the crippled walk you had last Friday. I put two and two together." He replies distractedly.

"Excuse me! I think the real problem here is the fact that you thought it was okay not to tell us that your sacred flower has been popped!" Danny slams a hand down on the table grinning.

I narrow my eyes at her, so that's what the glare was about. "I know how much you two like to gossip." I grumble.

Before either of them can reply food is placed in front of us and I instantly dig in. Forgive me and my impolite manners, food for me is like oxygen. Finishing my Caesar wrap and ice tea I lean back and pat my stomach. Jeremy and Danny finish shortly after I do and the three of us leave to head back to the office. Danny excuses herself and heads back to her desk, while I tell Jeremy to grab his coat and keys. Time to deal with the Arson project.

"How do you walk in those shoes," Jeremy whines looking down at my feet.

I laugh and continue to walk on the uneven ground towards the head builder. Quickly forming a professional smile I straighten my spine and pray to the heavens that my lack of concentration will not cause an slips or trips. "Billy, working hard as usual!" I great loudly.

"Jeremy and Lysandra, my two most favourite people in the world! To what do I owe this pleasure?" I roll my eyes at Billy's sarcastic comment and teasing grin.

Jeremy speaks up while opening the building plans on a near by crate, "there have been a few things added to the original plans, I've marked them in red." He then goes over each change while I nod or give input when needed. Billy decides it'll be easier for us if his whole team are also familiar with the changes and calls over his chippies, sparkies, plasters, plumbers and so on. Jeremy and I go through the plans with them.

An hour later I crack my knuckles and relax into the soft cushion before turning my key and starting up my vehicle, Jeremy taps away at his phone arranging meeting and talking to clients while I drive back to A&DS. I nod at the receptionist and follow a small group of people who enter a arriving lift. Jeremy nudges me as we exit the metal box on the eighth floor, I nod in reply as he drifts off to Paul's office. Quickly moving inside my office I grab two blueprints and my trusty USB. I then follow in the direction Jeremy had gone and enter the bosses office.

Jeremy, Paul, Oscar and Kimmi-Jin sit on the sofas to the left with papers scatter all around them. I join the group and sit next to Kimmi-Jin. Extending my hand I slip the USB into Jeremys awaiting palm and roll out my blue prints. We discuss upcoming constructions and already built infrastructures, slowly but surly we shift through the piles on the coffee table and complete unresolved paperwork. Oscar and Kimmi-Jin stand up after Paul agrees to their plans and the two leave the room. Just like Jeremy and I those two work together.

"God I could do with a beer..." Jeremy sighs while packing up his equipment.

I roll my eyes at him and narrow them in warning. He just shrugs. "Lysandra a word, please." Paul stands in front of his wall length window, with his back facing Jeremy and I.

"Go, I'll see you later and mind giving Danny a lift?" I question, not knowing how long I'll be here. Jeremy pauses a second longer before nodding and exiting the room with the folders against his side. I turn my full attention to Paul and he spins to face me as the door clicks closed. "Is something wrong, sir?" I question.

"About two weeks from now there is a meeting in Spain and I am in need of a companion, I was wondering if you would be interested?" He questions smoothly. Well it isn't like I can say no exactly, he does after all pay for my food, rent and whatnot.

I stare at him a little startled, not for the life of me would I have imagined this kind of conversation conspiring between the two of us. Paul moves behind his desk and takes a seat waiting for my answer, "I guess. Are you sure Jeremy or Kimmi-Jin aren't more qualified?" I question nervously.

"You're just as smart, Lysandra." Paul looks up at me with a comforting smile, "don't bring yourself down like that."

"If you're sure then of course I'll accompany you." I smile softly before quickly fleeing the room. What in the world was that? Grabbing my coat and bag I exit the building and walk to my car. Once seated comfortably I reverse and begin driving off in the direction of my apartment. Several minutes later I enter my apartments underground parking space and then ride the elevator up to the eleventh floor, walking to the end of the hall I push my key into the slot in the door knob and push through the opening.

Instantly delicious aroma's fill the air and I hear voice coming from the kitchen. Dropping my bag on the counter while draping my coat on one of the bar stools I head to the fridge. Danny is cooking while Jeremy is working on his laptop. "Wha'd the boss want?" Jeremy mumbles distractedly.

"Company to some meeting in lovely Spain." I reply, edging around Danny to grab a spoon. Sliding onto the third bar stool I take the lid off my ice-cream container and scoop out a mouthful.

Danny squeals spinning to face the two of us, she leans over the island. "Is this an office romance I smell?" She teases curiously.

"No, that's your chicken burning."

Jeremy splutters out through a laugh and then snatches my ice-cream and spoon for himself, "go shower, you smell." He winks in my direction. I send him a thankful look and quickly escape to my bedroom. Grabbing my towel I head into the adjoining bathroom and strip down. Turning on the hot water I step under the scalding spray and allow my muscles to loosen under the massaging sensation. Finally stepping out of the foggy shower stall I dry my body off and head back to my room with the soft material wrapped around my body.

I pull on my underwear just as there is a knock on my door, "hm?" I question.

"Your phone." Danny simply replies.

I rush to my door and open it slightly, she sticks the hand which is clutching my phone, inside. I quickly slide my thumb across the screen, "Hello?"

'I hope this isn't a bad time?' His deep gravely tone has my legs crossing. I stumble to my bed after pushing my door closed and collapse on it.

"What's the matter?" I question. Remembering the way I'd fled the scene after Andrew had told me who exactly Mikel was to him, I can't help but blush.

There is silence before Mikel responds, 'my brother and your mother have planned a trip to our family lake house. You're invited.'

Hm. "Okay... But I'm busy, please tell my mother I'll not be attending." I stand up and walk to my closet.

'I want you there...' He breaths out.

I slump against the wall and take in a much needed breath of air. "What happened that night is not going to happen again!" I all but bite out, my core aching to feel him inside me again.

'What are you so scared of?' He questions.

"My mother. Your brother. The world. What we did is wrong!"

'If your mother wasn't marrying my brother would it still be wrong.' It wasn't a question. Of course it wouldn't be wrong.

"But she is." I reply.

'So the problem is their relationship.' He pauses and I don't answer. 'I have a proposition,' he finally breaths out, when I don't say anything he continues. 'Lets be friends with benefits. No one needs to know. It'll be our dirty little secret. I want you in my bed, Lysandra...'

God, it sounds so tempting. It's has been eight days since he toke my virginity and may heaven have mercy, I've been fantasising about him taking me again and again every night since. My mind and mouth don't seem to be linked because before I know it the words are out of my traitorous lips before I can stop them, "no one will know?"

'Exactly. Just you and me.'

Oh mum, please forgive me. "Okay." I whisper.

'Okay. I'll be expecting you tomorrow.' He ends the call and I realise that my body has somehow woken up. My towel hangs loosely below my breasts. My nipples pebble and liquid heat churns through my body. Never having masturbated before I decide to give it a go. Heading back to my door I flip the lock and then numbly make my way back to my bed. My heart pounds. I sit on the edge of my bed and remember back to that night while his previous words linger in my mind. Finally able to put a name to the face I lay back and allow the images to flicker under my closed eyelids.

I want you in my bed, Lysandra.

I imagine him ripping my clothes away, his eyes rake over my naked torso while ignoring my small whimpers of shock. He urges me back and I scramble onto the bed fully. Feeling like a little kid learning how to use a pen, my movements are jerky and unsure. But Mikel doesn't seem to find my inexperience annoying, if anything he relishes on that fact. The intense need of our night together sends a dark kind of possessive want through my body. I remember his weight settling on top of me, making sure I couldn't escape even if I wanted to... Which I most definitely did not. Clasping both my wrists in one of his hands above my head he claims my lips. Not asking permission, not needing it.

I am vaguely aware of my own hand moving unintentionally down my body in the present, stopping at one breast, I roll the bud between my fingers as he had that night. Closing my eyes tightly, my mind drifting off to a more subconscious place. Mikels large body forcing me to spread my legs painfully wide, just to house his frame. He grounds his erection into the area between my thighs, the ruff material of his uniform sending bolts of electricity through my body. My panty clad body is defenceless in his presence.

One large calloused hand grabs my left boob, rolling my aroused point between his fingers he sends me a dark look before swooping down and capturing the little hard button. With his free hand he squeezes my other neglected breast, his steel grip on my wrists only tightens. All of a sudden his teeth scrape my bud and I all but arch up into him wantonly, a low husky moan escapes my loose mouth.

Finally he releases my hands... But only so he can also play with the little erect pebble between my lower lips. I uses this freedom to run my hands over his back and over his perfect ass. After a couple minutes of exploring as much as I can with his offending third wheeling uniform, my hands move back up his body to fist in his hair. I pull hard as he grinds the tent straining against his pants against my wet, hot cunt.

Mikel quickly unzips his pants and release the angry monster that had been held captive for far to long. He uses his fingers to spread my pussy lips, "you ready?" He questions, but for some reason even if I said no... I don't think the monster lurking behind his eyes would of stopped. His large tip pushes against my slit and I suddenly realise he's not wearing a condom, I push against his hard body. "Don't. Stop. Me." He growls out. Sounding more animalistic than human.

"Condom." I'm able to breath out.

"Fuck it." He grunts out, pushing against me harder.

"No. Stop." I try closing my legs but he just holds them open. With his jaw clenched he stops pushing and I thank the gods. I move away from him slowly reading his expression warily. His dark eyes follow me as I lean over the bed and shift through the clothes on the ground. Retrieving the small square packet I hand it to him with shaky fingers, he brings the packet to his mouth before using his teeth to tear it open.

Rolling the rubber into his penis he pushes me back down, "happy?" He grounds out his dick forcing my core to open up to him...

"Lysandra? You okay!?" I jump startled as Dannys voice comes through my door.

I blush, "yeah I'm fine. Just stubbed my toe." I call back.

"Kay, dinners ready."

Looking away from the wooden door, I notice the mess I've made. Removing my hands from my panties I sit up and walk back into my bathroom. Washing my hands and splashing my face with some cool water, I stare at my slightly flushed expression through the mirror. Taking a couple of breaths I return to my room and hurriedly pull on a large t-shirt which reaches a couple of inches below my mid-thigh, I re-enter the common area to find Jeremy putting ways his work and Danny plating up.

Danny and I have also been friends since college, after all who do you think made up the last member of our absent group. The three of us finished our degrees and bought a unit together, I slouch on our plush couch and draw my legs up, crossing them. Picking up one of the glasses of wine I take a sip before turning on the television. Jeremy takes the seat next to me grabbing my plate and his, he hands me my food just as Danny sits on the single chair facing the wall length window.

"Paul's been furious lately," Danny states while I flick through programs.

Jeremy's attention zero in's on her. "What about?"

"Jem, what about work confidentiality," I scold.

Danny pipes up, "I don't really know what the problem is anyway... He's just been cracking the whip at everything."

"He's probably just stressed," I defend my boss.

The two converse about the matter for a couple more minutes before tuning into the reality show currently airing. We finish the meal and I do the dishes. Jeremy heads to his room while Danny sits in front of the coffee table with snacks, getting ready to watch a movie. I decide to work a bit but before I can my phone rings, rushing to my room I slide my thumb across the glass screen. "Hello?"

'Hey baby, so Andrew and I've decide a small getaway... So everyone can bond.' My mother familiar voice sounds through the phone.

Clearly this is what Mikel had been speaking about, "oh. Well I hope you have fun." I grab my laptop and settle on my bed. I keep my voice calm and disinterested although my heart beats rapidly against my chest.

My mother clears her throat. 'Sweetie, I know you don't like these kinds of things but I'd love for you to come join us... I'm fully prepared to grovel.'

"Kay, I'll come. Should I meet you guys at Andrews houses?" I question booting up the device in front of me.

My mother intakes a noisy breath, 'are you coming? Like seriously. You better not be playing a trick on me. Is there something you want or aren't telling me?' She questions rapidly.

Am I really that bad? Yes. I slam the breaks on my subconscious and reply back to my mother, "yes I'll be there. I'm not playing any tricks and no I'm not hiding anything." Yes you are. Shut up!

'Oh my god! We're going to have so much fun! And yes, meet us at Andrews.'

"Yay." I end the call with my mother sarcastically, and start working on a spreadsheet.

Feeling tired, a couple hours later, I decide to hit the hay. Closing my laptop I put it on my bed side table and roll under my covers. I shut my eyes and allow Mikels gorgeous face to send me off to sleep.

***

"Are you sure you're going to be alright?" I question for the seventh time while throwing my toiletries into a duffle bag. "Make sure to check on the Arson project and Paul's gone over the Robinson blue print. I don't think I should go... Are you going to be-"

Jeremy throws a pile of my neatly folded clothes at me, "yes!"

I glare at him. "You should be getting ready for work!"

"I am ready." He states proudly.

"No you're a half naked mess currently annoying me." I pull on my coat. Slipping into some nude pumps I swing my bag onto my shoulder, "out." I hold my door open and wait for Jeremy to move his butt out of my room. "Danny!" I call out. She stumbles out of her room with a towel around the top of her head and a dress that needs zipping. Sighing I zip it up for her. "Don't do anything stupid. Only cook when Jeremy's around... I don't want any fires. Are you okay with catching a ride with Jem?"

She rolls her eyes, "yes mum."

Annoyed with how childish my room mates are I turn to the kitchen and grab a bar and bottle of ice tea, before giving them a couple more warnings. Pulling my keys off one of the key hooks in our hallway I exit our apartment. Taking the elevator down to ground level I find my car and hop inside. Putting my bag in the back and the key in the ignition I start up my silver car.

Fifteen minutes later I idle in front of Andrews house. We both know the only reason you're here is for Mikel. I shake off my annoying thoughts I pick up my phone and take my keys out of the ignition. I exit my vehicle. Slamming the door shut I lock up before heading to Andrews front door. Tapping my knuckles against the wood three times I wait while high winds lash at me.

You're going to hell. I honestly don't care now keep quite! This is going to be one eventful week end, my heart rate increases just as the front door swings open...