Chapter 2 The Morning After

ALISTAIR'S POV

The light creeping in through the blinds felt like a spotlight to my skull. The headache was relentless and troubling, pounding in sync with the rhythm of my thoughts causing at me for being so damn reckless last night

as I slowly peeled myself from the tangled mess of sheets.

I groaned, my hand reaching for the bedside table to grab my phone, squinting at the screen, hoping to escape the constant buzzing. Notifications flooded in-emails, missed calls, text messages. My head throbbed, the noise somehow even more aggravating than the hangover.

Fuck, it too early for this shit.

With a curse under my breath, I hit the "accept" button on the call from my business partner, Marcus, trying to drown out the buzzing in my skull.

"Alistair, good morning,"

came Marcus's voice, calm and casual, though I could hear the faint edge of urgency.

"I hope you're not too far gone yet. I still need you alive, I can't handle all this shit on my own"

He nagged

"Morning to you to Marcus"

I groaned, forcing out the sarcasm while he chuckled at my misery.

"I've got news about your business meeting for later."

I winced, trying to focus through the haze of my headache.

"Marcus, it's too damn early for this. Can't a man enjoy his weekend in peace."

"You're telling me!"

he chuckled lightly.

"I was just getting to the good part of my weekend but duties calls"

He groans and I follow in response.

"Anywho, your flight's been bumped up from this evening to 2 PM this afternoon. The business deal's being moved up. I've already confirmed your car's on the way, but you'll need to hurry."

I stared at the ceiling, my mind already racing as I calculated the time. It was already 10 AM. Two hours.

Fuck.

"Alright. I'll get ready. Thanks for the heads-up at least."

I grunted, already putting the phone down before Marcus could say anything else.

I let my phone fall back onto the bed, shutting my eyes for a brief second, but the headache didn't let up. Every movement I made seemed to make it worse, like someone was driving a nail into my temple with every second.

I think now I remember why I don't go out drinking anymore. I tend to get myself carried away and act like an utter fool then deal with the regret after. So many regrets...

A soft, teasing laugh broke the silence, and I blinked, realizing the tan beauty from last night was still in bed next to me. She hadn't left. She was half-naked, her body a glorious sight with those curves still fresh in my mind from last night's madness.

She was lounging lazily, her eyes meeting mine with an amused grin.

"I didn't think you'd wake up like this,"

she teased, her voice husky with that same playfulness from earlier.

I smirked, rubbing my temple.

"Does it always take this much to wake me up?"

She giggled, shifting closer.

"It does but maybe I could try a new tactic on waking you up. What do you say?"

She asks playful, digging her hand underneath the covers. I rolled my eyes, but it was hard to ignore the fact that she was still damn attractive. And damn good at what she does, too.

I pushed myself up to sit on the edge of the bed, running away from any more foul play or else, I'll miss my flight. My legs reached the ground and my skull paid the price.

"Sorry sweetheart but I'm a busy man. Guess I'm going to have to rush. Got a damn flight to catch."

She raised an eyebrow, her gaze following my movements as I pushed myself off the bed and on my feet. Letting the cover's fall off revealing my morning glory.

"Business deal?"

"Yeah,"

I muttered, already feeling the pressure building up from the change of plans.

"Something I can't afford to miss."

Moving toward the closet, my head still spinning as I tried to shake the sleep from my body. The headache wasn't giving up.

"Need help with that?"

she asked, her voice low, smooth, and seductive as she toyed with the hem of her red lace bra, still half-exposed.

I glanced back at her, amused by the confidence.

"Not right now, sweetheart. But I'll take a rain check."

She chuckled softly, watching me, her eyes half-lidded with a sense of hunger and need I had to ignore.

"You're always in a rush, aren't you? Businessman, boss of the world, and all that?"

I paused, eyeing her for a moment as I got a clean towel around my waist.

"Not exactly. But today's an exception. You've got a deadline to meet when you're in my world."

Her smile widened as she slowly propped herself up on her elbows.

"Alright, I get it. You're a man on the move. Big deal."

She shrugged. With a deep sigh, I walked to the bathroom to get myself clean. A knock came on the door with some fresh set of clean clothes before I stepped out of the shower. Taking my time to dress, I got myself ready and shoved my phone into my pocket.

I stood, glancing at her one last time as she lounged, still half-naked and clearly enjoying herself. I walked over to the bed, sitting down next to her.

"I have to run, but I'm not leaving without doing this."

She smiled, leaning in without hesitation, her lips soft but demanding as they met mine. I kissed her deeply, my hand sliding to her neck, pulling her closer, the warmth of her body making everything else fade for a brief moment.

I pulled away slowly, breathing heavier than I wanted to admit, and stood. Reaching for my wallet, I pulled out a thick band of cash, without counting it then dumped it on the bed.

"Treat yourself, you deserve it."

I said, leaning over to plant a kiss on her forehead.

"You were... amazing last night."

Her eyes widened in surprise, but the blush creeping onto her cheeks was unmistakable. She looked down at the money, then back at me with a smile.

"Thank you, Mr Luxander,"

she said quietly, her fingers brushing the bills before tucking them underneath her pillow. I guess she's the modest type and not the type to demand more for a service that wasn't satisfactory. I like her.

I smirked at her sincerity then gave her a quick nod and moved toward the door, but I paused before leaving, glancing back at her.

"You're welcome. Take care of yourself."

And with that, I left.

I made my way down to the waiting car, trying not to think about the beautiful woman still lying half-naked in my bed. The car door slammed shut behind me, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

The ride to the airport was quick. No traffic, no delays. Just smooth sailing to the airport. And before I knew it, I was walking through security, trying to ignore the way the pressure in my skull made everything feel ten times heavier.

Once I boarded the plane, I sank into my seat, closing my eyes for a moment, and forced myself to relax. My phone buzzed in my pocket, revealing a message from Timothy.

"Thanks for coming, Alistair. Really appreciate you making time for this. I hope you can make it to the wedding."

I stared at the text for a second, then smiled before replying.

"Wouldn't miss seeing you getting sold off to the lucky lady. Congratulations on the wedding, Timothy."

He replied with a laughing emoji and I switched off my phone, tossing it into my pocket as the plane started to taxi down the runway. The final boarding announcements played, and I reclined in my seat, letting out a deep breath.

I just hoped I could make it through the rest of the day without more surprises. But with the way things had been going, I wasn't holding my breath and counting my chances.