Listen to Love by Kendrick Lamar and ZACARI

I looked away from the computer screen in front of me when I heard footsteps outside my room. I took a glance at the time below the screen, it was almost one in the morning. I'd been so engrossed in work that I didn't even realize it was past midnight. I sighed softly and stretched my sour arms. I heard a noise from downstairs. It was probably Belvina, maybe she was looking for a late-night snack. Or What if it wasn't her but a burglar? I was on my feet instantly at the troubling thoughts dancing in my head.

I slipped on a shirt and left the room. The lights downstairs were still off but I could hear a sound from the kitchen which got me keen-eyed. A small beam of light from what I assumed to be the refrigerator illuminated the kitchen.

"Vixen?" I called as I walked past the dining area to the kitchen. I found the light switch and flipped it on. There was a startled gasp from behind the double-steel doors of the refrigerator.

"Vixen? Is that you?" I asked even if I could see her small feet. Her silence increased the uneasiness in my chest.

"Is everything okay?" I asked but I got no response.

I took steady steps toward her, she closed the fridge and turned to look at me. It took me a solid five seconds to notice she was only in white cotton underwear and a tiny see-through top. Those damn floral print underwear will be the death of me. I pulled my eyes away from her body and turned away quickly.

"A little heads up would have been nice," I said trying to fight the dirty thoughts appearing in my head, but the image was already branded in my brain. I fought every cell in my body tempting me to sneak a look, just a glimpse.

My mind sought a distraction, anything to block Belvina's naked body from my mind. What was she even doing walking around like that? I wasn't complaining, I appreciate the view but I didn't know how I was going to get any sleep after seeing her like this.

"Are you leaving or do you want me to leave first?" I asked in a husky voice.

"I'm not leaving without licking some ice cream, you can hang around if you want," she finally replied. She didn't sound bothered.

If I want? Her last words echoed in my brain. Was she giving me a choice?

I took off my t-shirt and extended it for her to take. She collected it while I turned back to her, giving her some privacy to put it on even if I had seen her completely naked before. I still jerk off to the image of her writhing beneath with her back arched and her head rolled back as the softest moans slip from her gorgeous lips.

"Do you want some ice cream?" she asked and I took that as my cue to turn around. My white t-shirt swallowed her to her mid-thighs, I couldn't describe what exactly I was feeling seeing her in my shirt. I stared at her longer than I intended, not wanting this image of her to disappear from my head. If she happened to return the T-shirt, it will become my favorite piece of clothing.

I looked away when I realized she was waiting for my answer, I should say no. I didn't know how long I could keep my erection down and the urge to press her to the counter and trace every curve and line on her body with my tongue was intoxicating.

"Sure, it could cool off the stress taking over my body," I replied instead and took a seat on the island.

I watched as she grabbed two spoons, my eyes caught her hard nipples poking against the shirt she was wearing. I remembered the way her tits filled my palms, the sounds he made as I nibbed at her hard puckered buds. The t-shirt outlined her perky tits and the slight movement she made, left me rock hard. It was a good time to leave, my boner was straining against the material of my sweatpants. I moved closer to the edge of the marble island to hide it.

"I was watching a cooking show and after the desert session, I started craving this," she said as she took the seat next to me.

She placed the bowl of ice cream between us and gave me a spoon. I watched as she took a scoop and put it in her mouth, I recalled the day we shared a plate of fish cod, and salad at the restaurant.

"Sorry, I didn't know you were still awake," she said with soft laughter, she looked a little embarrassed. Her jasmine and honey scent tickled my nose.

"I was up doing some paperwork," I told her and took a scoop of the ice cream. I relished the coolness that grazed my tongue down to my throat.

"It can't wait?" she asked taking a glance at me.

"Yes, it's urgent," I should probably be finishing up instead of sitting here with her licking ice cream but I wasn't complaining. I could miss the deadline for all I care.

"Were you always interested in business?" she asked, keeping her gaze on me as her tongue slid up the spoon to lick off the cookies and cream ice cream. I shouldn't be so invested in the way her tongue licked the bottom of her lip and imagining them wrapped around my cock.

"No," I replied and tried to ignore the tightness in my chest.

"So, you hate your job?" she asked, I wasn't ready to open the door to that topic yet and I was hoping she wouldn't ask more questions.

"No, I love my job but going into business wasn't part of my plan, you know," I said avoiding the look of curiosity on her face.

"So you had a different backup plan after quitting swimming?" she asked and I could feel her eyes boring holes into my head. If only she knew I didn't quit my dream, shit happened and they told me to leave the team.

"Something like that, my elder brother was hoping I would go to law school and become a great Judge like him. It was kinda the plan but I wasn't really interested in law, my whole life was centered around swimming," I tried to fight the pain clawing at my guts.

"Then why did you quit?" my shoulder stiffened at her question.

"I...I wasn't good enough anymore," I sighed.

"Are you kidding? You're the greatest swimmer I have ever seen. Do you know how many insults I took from Chloe and my family because of how much I worshipped you, I don't even blink when I'm watching you glide through that pool like a fish...like you were born for it. I mean who knows what I will miss if I dare bat an eye, you have no idea how..." she paused when she realized the words leaving her mouth.

Her cheeks went red, she looked away and covered her face with her hair.

"Damn Vixen, do you need an autograph?" I teased and she scoffed. There was more I wanted to say to her about how I wished I had met her when I was still swimming, I wouldn't have left if I knew one person was rooting for me. I would have fought to remain on the team.

"That was the ice cream talking, it got to my brain," she said and I laughed softly at her excuse. I wanted to tease her about those texts she sent on Instagram but her phone chimed from beside me.

"I wonder who is texting me at so late," she mumbled as she reached beside me for the device, the brush of her tit on my arm made me forget how to breathe. She must have felt it too because she turned to look at me and I could see the arousal in her warm hazel eyes. My hands were itching to pull her to my lap and put my mouth on hers that was just inches away. She held my gaze, her hand still reaching for her phone. Maybe I was being delusional when she leaned closer disregarding the text.

You don't want a relationship, she deserves so much better. I reminded myself and looked away from her tempting lips.

"I don't wanna hurt you," I whispered in the tiny space between us. She nodded and said nothing as she grabbed her phone and sat back in her seat.

I put the spoon down and stood up. "Thanks for the ice cream, I have to get some sleep. Tomorrow is an important day," I said and she nodded again not saying anything. I flashed her a smile and left the kitchen feeling hot-wired. I went straight to the bathroom for a release.

***

I met with the board of directors and shareholders to go over today's meeting. We were having an appointment with one of the biggest companies in the world, hoping to land a deal and get them to invest in our company.

I dismissed everyone after discussing the details. Elise informed me that Mr. Gregory Tim was in my office when I came out of the meeting room.

"Does he have an appointment?" I asked Elise as I walked to my office.

"No, he said he is a part of this company and doesn't need to make appointments," she said and I fought an eye roll. Why did Tristan even turn to the asshole for help when there were better business allies out there. Mr. Gregory already crowned himself a shareholder of the company after helping with the debts.

We needed capital for the company to operate after the incident with Tristan and Chloe, Mr. Gregory was only a debt investor and I knew why he was here. We missed this month's payment, only one more year and he will be out of our hair.

"Ok, get everything prepared for the next meeting," I told her and put a smile before entering my office where Mr. Gregory had made himself comfortable.

"Welcome, Mr. Gregory. I hope I didn't keep you waiting, I had a meeting," I said and took a seat. I extended my hand for a handshake but he only stared at me like I was a carrier of ebola.

"I want to speak to your boss," he demanded. I tried not to get upset, he always addressed Tristan as the boss even if he knew we both owned the company. He wouldn't be first, there have been a few people over the years that considered me incompetent. To them I knew nothing about running a company, some of them won't even believe I went to business school.

"He is unwell at the moment, is there anything, in particular, you wanna talk about? I have an important meeting in the next thirty minutes," I said maintaining my composure.

"Not with you but pass this message to Tristan, tell him if I don't get my payment soon, things will get nasty for this company," he said and stood up to leave.

He picked one candy from the table and left the office. I loosened my tie and lean back on the seat.

I focused on my next meeting. I hope I impress them. Tristan should be handling this meeting since I wasn't really considered CEO of this company.

***

I briefed Tristan on today's meeting as I drove home. The Kingsman's CEO said he needed some time to think over the offer we made him, he was a cranky old man that didn't look the least bit impressed after we presented our proposal. I doubt we would hear back from him.

My back felt sour as I entered the house, and a mouthwatering aroma hit my nose. I could hear Belvina humming in the kitchen.

"You're back, I thought I will be eating alone," she said looking back at me as she stirred something on the electric cooktop. I smiled as I approached her, I wanted to hug her and tell her how my day went but I settled for a smile.

I was getting too comfortable, she was only here because her apartment was wrecked. I shouldn't get used to this, to having her here, to craving something more than a hookup, she'll be gone soon. I need to flush away all the ideas in my head.

"What are you cooking?" I asked stopping behind her to take a look at what she was stirring.

"Welcome to my Italian kitchen, I'm making risotto, pasta, and I have some garlic bread in the oven," she said and faced me.

"Wow, what did I do to deserve this," I said leaning closer to look in the pot.

"You said you don't mind tasting, I'm having mixed feelings about the salt," she said and signaled for me to taste the sauce as she moved the spatula closer to my mouth. I leaned closer to meet her height and took a taste. She studied me closely like my answer could bring the dead back to life.

"Perfect, I can't wait to taste everything. Damn Vixen, I might just hold you captive here and never let you go." I said and she rolled her eyes.

"I'm going up for a shower, I will be down soon," I told her and left the kitchen.

When I returned downstairs, everything was set on the dining table and Belvina was not in the kitchen. I took a seat and fought the temptation to start eating without her. I heard a loud scream from upstairs.

"Adrian!!!" Belvina screamed.

I skipped up the stairs to the room where the sound came from. I found her in the bathroom holding some piece of her hair. She looked horrified as she stared at her hair.

"Call 911, my hair is falling out," she panicked.

"What happened?" I asked stepping closer, good thing she had a robe on and not a towel.

"I took this shampoo from your room since I don't have mine. I just put it on my hair and it cut," she looked like she wanted to cry.

"I don't wanna be bald, call 911!" she said breathing heavily. I knew she was already making a diagnosis of what was happening to her.

"What kind of shampoo is that?" she said looking at me. I looked around the room and found the bottle. I held back my laughter when I recognized the bottle.

"That's my hair removal cream," I told her and she began to cry.

"Hey relax, good thing you didn't put it all over your hair. Come, I will wash it out for you," I said and took her hand.

I led her to the master bedroom which had a bathtub and a shower. I folded a towel and placed it on the marble floor for her to sit so she could place her head on the edge of the bathtub.

Her bathrobe slipped over her shoulder as she sat down and leaned back on the bathtub.

"If all my hair comes out, don't tell me," she said as I turned on the tap and picked up the showerhead.

I waited for the water to reach the right temperature before washing out the cream. I stared at the pieces of hair that came out.

"Is not as bad as you think, is not even noticeable," I told her as I reached for my shampoo and applied it on her hair that still looked long and full like she didn't just lose a mass of hair. She sighed softly as I massaged her scalp and brush my fingers through her hair. Everything about her hit differently.

I stared at the deep cleavage exposed from her robe that had slipped over one shoulder. I looked away and washed her hair smoothly.

"Chloe should take lessons from you, she always scratches my scalp when I ask her to help me and wash my hair," she said as I dried her hair.

"All done," I said.

"I'm afraid to look at myself in the mirror. What if it's worse," she said.

"Trust me, it's not," I took her hand and pulled her up. She hid behind me as I took her to the mirror.

"Mirror mirror mirror on the wall, who is the one with the most beautiful and longest hair?" I said and she nudged me.

I stepped aside quickly when I noticed she was distracted. She gasped when she saw herself in the mirror. She touched her hair like she couldn't recognize it.

"You're right, it's not noticeable," she said and smiled. "Thank God, I was already plotting my revenge," she sighed.

"Revenge?"

"Si, I told myself if half of my hair falls out, I will mix your shampoo with a permanent blue hair dye," she said.

"Do you think blue will look good on me?" I asked and she turned around to look at me, I stared down at her as her brows creased and her eyes squinted.

"Hmm, now it seems you will look good in any hair color. That was a bad revenge plan," she sighed while I smiled.

"I think it's the first time you ever said something that nice to me."

"Don't get used to it," she said and turned away. She pulled the robe back to her shoulder. "Remind me never to take anything from your room," she said.

"Maybe try to read the label clearly next time. You can't expect to find what you usually see in a lady's bathroom in a guy's bathroom, Vixen," I told as she walked away.

I cleaned the wet floor and went downstairs. I heat the food in the microwave before she joined me in the dining.

"Were you able to fix your car?" I asked her as we ate.

"Is still at the mechanic, I should have it back by Tuesday," she said.

"You can use one of my cars before you get yours back. I know you won't keep the car even if I ask you to but feel free to use anyone you want." I told her.

"No, it's fine. It will probably cost me a fortune to fix it if anything happens," she said.

"I won't ask you to do that, my insurance will take care of it."

"Thanks for the offer but no," she refused.

"Can I at least help you fix your apartment?"

"No, you've done enough, Adrian. Fixing the apartment wouldn't be a problem, all I have to do is put everything back in order. A friend from work promised to help."

She must still hate me for what I did to her and I knew it was going to take much more to win back her trust. She wouldn't be here in the first place if she didn't have a fight with Chloe.

"So, how did the important meeting go? It better be good 'cause you stayed up for it," she said with keen interest. All the girls I dated were never interested in my work life but Belvina was always digging for more details about my life. I didn't want to get used to coming home to someone, having conversations during dinner about our day, arguing over dumb things, and watching tv till we fall asleep and woke up cuddling.

"Honestly I don't know, the dude had a stoic expression during the whole meeting and he said he needed some time to think about it."

"Trust me, he liked it. He was just trying to feel superior and all that shit, he'll call back," she said and I smiled.

We ate dinner as we both talked about the lows and highs of our workplace and laughed as we shared our dislike for a few coworkers.

***

I got off work early on Friday. I drove over to The Sanchester's mansion to see Tristan who just got discharged from the hospital. One of the maids let me in and I went up to Tristan's room, I had known this mansion since I was twelve. I had tons of good times here as a kid, it was a great escape from all the family drama I had to witness every day.

The Sanchester's mansion was one of the biggest houses in Beverly Hills and over the years a few changes have been made to the four-story building. I knocked on the hardwood door and waited for him to answer. He sounded tired when he told me to come in.

He was sprawled on the bed with Kayden jumping around beside him while Tristan tried his best to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. That kid had the energy of lightning, I smiled at him as I approached the bed.

"Hey, bro. You look sulky. What's up?"

"Chloe is out there with no protection and she won't pick up my calls. That lunatic that tried to kill us is still out there, I need to know where she is and be sure she is safe," he said and caught Kayden when he tumbled from trying to climb the wall.

"I'm sure she is fine, she can take care of herself," I said as I reached for my phone that just vibrated in my pocket.

Vixen: today has been a crazy day, please get me some Paqui Tortilla chips on your way back.

Me: Everything okay?

Vixen: Tell you all about it when I get home.

Home? It was impossible to ignore the feeling in my chest and the smile taking over my face. Maybe I was being too stupid dwelling on that sentence she probably sent without any attachment.

"Who got you smiling like a lovestruck teenager?" Tristan's voice pulled my gaze away from my phone.

"Just something funny I saw online," I said and put my phone away. I watched him as he stroked Kayden's hair and held him close to his chest, he looked sleepy.

"I will send you the files from Henderson Corp when I get home, I have to go. Get well soon, bro."

I went to say hi to Nana before leaving. I stopped by the store and got Belvina her favorite chips and chocolate pudding. I can't wait to see her.