Taming My Hot Personal Assistant

Luca Knight knows exactly the kind of woman he wants to settle down with some day and it's certainly not anyone like Skylar Simpson, his personal assistant. After all, Skylar is a sex addict who knows nothing about commitment. She sleeps with a different man every week, changing men like she changes her sheets.

What happens when Luca pays Skylar to pretend to be his girlfriend at his family reunion? Sparks fly. Soon Luca realizes that he wants Skylar all to himself. Skylar has sworn to never love again after getting her heart broken twice which is why she loves to sleep with different men, and so Luca sets out to do the impossible; he's going to seduce her and drive her crazy until she possibly can't think of anyone else but him.

******

"Have you forgotten that I'm just a whore who can't stick to one man?" I ask breathlessly.

”I'm going to make you want only me, Skylar." Luca takes my ear into his mouth and nibbles it gently, sending a shiver down my spine.

“That confident?” I whisper, trying hard to fight against the delightful sensations running through me.

"Yes." He licks my neck in the most sensual way. “I'm going to make you beg for it. I'm going to drive you crazy until my dick is the only one you want to sit on.”

Oh fuck.

•1•The Lie

Skylar's POV

I love sex.

Yes, you heard that right. I fucking love sex. I think it's the most blissful activity for mankind. I mean, why watch N*****x when you could be fucking? Why read novels when you can be fucking?

If I could, then I would have sex all the freaking time.

Looking up at the signboard on top of the door of the nightclub, a thrill goes through me as I look at the club name; City of Sin Club.

Ay, I'm excited already.

The inside of the nightclub is dimly lit, with people of all ages, sexes, and sexualities dancing or groping each other.

So what if I came to LA with Luca Knight, my boss, to do business? That doesn't mean I can't have fun and have a taste of the men in LA.

I never go without sex for more than a week, but I also never sleep with the same man twice.

Some people think I'm a slut but I don't give a fuck what they think about me. I'm happy the way I am.

I have no time for relationships. All that is guaranteed in a relationship is heartbreak. And I've sworn to never let another man break my heart again.

Just as I'm approaching the bar counter, I realize that a guy is watching me. His gaze is seductive so I know exactly what he has in mind.

Licking my lips, I walk seductively in his direction. “Hey. Do you wanna fuck?”

*************

Luca's POV

I step under the warm shower spray, loving the feel of the warm water beating down his body. After a while, I turn off the shower and dry off.

Stepping into my hotel room, I've just discarded the towel around my waist when my phone rings. I walk over to the bed and pick it up.

Looking at the screen, a smile stretches my lips when I see the caller. "Hey, Sweetie."

“Don't you dare 'Sweetie' me!” The mature feminine voice bellows from the other end. The smile disappears from my face.

“Mum, is something wrong?" I look at my phone screen to see whether I read the name right.

“You're in LA and didn't bother to tell me. I can't believe this!” Her voice rings accusingly.

I bite back a groan. Ugh. The main reason why I came to LA was for a family reunion which was coming on the day after tomorrow. In the meantime, I was hoping to get some business done.

That's why I booked a hotel to stay there for a while.

“Mum, I...”

“You can't lie to me, Luca. Alfred has seen you.”

“Mum, I only arrived last night.”

That's a lie too. My mum just can't know that I've been in LA for three days.

“Oh... That isn't excuse enough. I should've been informed. Why aren't you yet home? Where are you? When will you be coming home?”

“I'm taking care of some business, mum, but I promise to be home on Friday.”

“Fine, but I have something else to tell you.” My mum reveals.

Nope, I don't like this. I don't like the mischievous tone she's using.

"You remember Dotty, the daughter of Mr...."

I groan in frustration before she can even finish her sentence. This woman is impossible. Shoving my hand into my hair, I walk towards the window.

"Really, mum? We've had this conversation a gazillion times.”

"Luca Knight, you're thirty. You won't be thirty forever. You have to settle down. Your dad was 27 when he married me.”

I can practically see the frustration on her face even though she's not in front of me, and it makes me both annoyed and amused.

"As you said, mum, I'm Thirty. Thirty, not sixteen. I can decide when to settle down and with whom."

I sigh. How many times does she want me to tell her the same thing?

A loud sigh comes from the phone. "I just wanna help son. Maybe you're finding it hard to choose.” She says sweetly. "Just this once, please. I promise to understand if you go out with her and you don't like her.”

I snort. As if I haven't heard those words before. My mother has tried to set me up with women of her choice three times. Those blind dates never worked out.

"Mum, I can't go out with Dotty," I say firmly. I say my next words before I even have time to think. "I have a girlfriend."

My mum goes silent for a second. Just seconds before she's blowing my eardrums with her excited screech.

"Oh my God? You're for real, right?

"Of course, mum. Uh, I . . . even brought her along. I'm even going to bring her to the reunion. I wanted it to be a surprise but you ruined it"

Fuck, fuck fuck. What the fuck am I doing? Why am I lying some more?

"Oh God, such a pleasant surprise.!" My mother squeals excitedly. "You can't believe how happy you've made me tonight. So who's she? How's she? Is she pretty? What a silly question that is. She's definitely gorgeous."

"Calm down, mum. I'll bring her soon.”

Damn, why is this woman so stubborn? I've never told her that I'm miserable or anything so why is she so insistent on me settling down? Now, look at the lies she's made me tell.

"You are right, honey. . . . . Yes, honey. I'm coming!... You won't believe what Luca is telling me... " My mum shouts, causing me to pull the phone away from my ear. "Luca, your father is calling for me. Ay, I can't wait to tell him the good news. I'm so happy!”

"Alright, mum. See you."

Right after hanging up, I realize how much I've messed up. I'm in deep shit. What the hell was I thinking lying to my mum like that? I don't even have a girlfriend!

Okay, let's see. Maybe I can go alone and lie to my mum that something came so I couldn't bring my 'girlfriend’. No, that won't work.

Knowing my mum, she can even come back with me to New York just to meet my 'girlfriend'.

There's no way my mum is going to back down trying to find me a woman if I don't act fast.

That means I have to make her believe I have a girlfriend. I have to find someone to pretend to be my girlfriend at the family reunion.

But who?

•2•Saved By The PA

Luca's POV

"What about your ex?" Caleb, my best friend, suggests over the phone.

"Natasha?" I scoff. "Seriously, Caleb?"

That woman is a possessive gold digger. I know she was only with me because it helped her advance in her modelling career.

Caleb laughs. "Don't bite my head off, jeez. It was only a suggestion. I think you should pay someone to do the job."

Yeah, I've been thinking of that. I just don't want to trust something like that on a stranger.

"I'm ready!" A female voice announces behind me.

Turning, I find Skylar, my PA who I brought on this trip with me for business purposes.

Fuck, how long has she been standing there? Did she hear my conversation with Caleb?

"Caleb, I'll talk to you later." I hang up the phone, then glare at Skylar in disapproval. "Why do you ladies always take so long to get ready?"

"And why do you men always complain when you already know what to expect." Skylar shoots back with a chuckle.

I roll my eyes at the cheeky reply. Scanning her outfit, I realize she's adorned in a simple and business-like off-white blouse on top of a black tailored skirt. Her hair is tied up behind her head in a neat bun.

Well, the time she took to dress surely paid off because she looks gorgeous.

I won't deny that I find my PA attractive. But I know much better than to get involved with a woman like her.

"We'll get to the cafe quicker if you stop staring." Skylar snaps her fingers in front of my face, making me realize I've been staring.

I quickly collect myself with a frown. "I came knocking on your door last night. You weren't around. I wanted us to discuss the Bentley project. Where did you go at that time, Skylar?"

"Um," Skylar swallows nervously. "I was...uh...going for a stroll around the city."

"Oh, I'm sure you had a nice walk." I say sarcastically.

I'm not stupid. I know she's lying. She didn't go for a walk. She went to get fucked.

Yes, I know about her sex life. I know everything about her promiscuity. I know about how she sleeps with a different man every week. I know about how she changes men like she changes her sheets.

I don't know how a woman can be so reckless with her sex life. I pity any man who will fall in love with her.

I sigh. "Look, Skylar. I don't give a fuck what you do outside work. But I brought you on this business trip. I think it's only fair you tell me whenever you want to go out. Get it?"

"Yes, 'boss'," Skylar says, skilling tightly.

I know she's not happy with my comment. Was I too harsh on her?

"Good. Let's go."

*****

Skylar hasn't said a word since I rebuked her at the hotel. I feel bad about confronting her about it, but some subjects are unavoidable.

The cafe we go to doesn't seem too busy. We locate a table in a corner, just perfect enough for us to be able to discuss business without any interruptions.

I pull a chair back for Skylar. To my relief, she smiles at me as she sits down, making me know she's not angry with me anymore. I sit down across from her and pull out my laptop from my laptop bag, placing it on the table.

A beautiful brown-skinned woman approaches us with a huge smile on her face. "Good morning, what would you lovebirds like?"

Skylar looks at me and smiles knowingly but we don't bother to tell the woman that we're not dating. Skylar orders pancakes accompanied by hot, milky cocoa, and I order coffee and some donuts.

Our order is served in a matter of minutes. I pull out my laptop from my bag, and Skylar and I discuss business over our steaming beverages.

As usual, Skylar shows how good she is at her job. She only started working for me last year and yet I can say she's the best PA I've ever had.

"Excuse me, I'm just going to visit the ladies." Skylar suddenly announces, getting up to her feet.

After she goes to the washroom, I try to focus back on business but find myself thinking about the promise I made to my mum.

I only have one day until the reunion and I've still not gotten anyone who will pretend to be my girlfriend.

What about Skylar? My subconsciousness suggests for the second time today.

Nope. Not Skylar. She's just my PA and I don't want her to know too much about my private life.

"I can see you're still a workaholic." A familiar voice suddenly says.

Looking up, I'm quite surprised when I realize that it's one of my uncles. "Uncle Dennis." I get up to my feet and hug him.

"Boy, how have you been?"

"I've been great, Uncle," I reply enthusiastically. Among all my uncles, Uncle Dennis is the one I'm closest with. But we haven't seen each other in a while.

"Was that her?" Uncle Dennis suddenly asks.

Confused, I raise a brow at him. "Was that who?"

"Ah, please. Your mum has already called me to gush about the woman you'll be bringing to the reunion. I'm afraid she's going to burst from excitement." He smiles affectionately. "I saw a young woman leaving your table. It's her, right?"

"Uncle, uh..." I swallow nervously.

Uncle Dennis doesn't let me finish speaking. "Wow, she's gorgeous. You're just like your uncle. We've both got fine taste."

"Damn right."

I freeze as soon as I say that. Uncle Dennis is now going to believe that Skylar is my girlfriend. Why did I have to say that? My heart skips a beat as Skylar appears, walking towards our table.

"Oh, we have company." She says curiously.

"My God, you look even more stunning this close. My nephew says you're his girlfriend."

My heart begins thumping inside my chest, and I close my eyes. Fuck, Skylar is going to expose me. My mum is going to know that I lied.

However, Skylar completely shocks me with her with her reply.

"That's right, sir. I'm Skylar Simpson, Luca's girlfriend."

•3•Sex Addict

Skylar's POV

"What was that for?" Luca turns to face me immediately after we step out of the café a few minutes after Dennis, his uncle, has left.

His left hand is stuffed into his pocket, his right hand holding his left hand back as he glares at me.

I blink, caught off guard. "What was what for?"

"Do not play dumb with me." Luca glares at me. "You just told my uncle that you're my girlfriend."

"May I remind you that it was you who told him we were dating?" I retort snarkily. "The way I see it, I saved your ass."

Luca brings his hands up as if ready to rub it through his hair but he soon shoves his hand back into his pocket.

He looks exquisite in his grey designer suit. His shiny, dark blonde hair is neatly combed with a few strands spilling at the edges, highlighting his handsome face.

His eyes are the most cyan I've ever seen. They are a magnetic shade between blue and green. He has a slightly crooked nose and a sharp jawline that all emphasizes his handsomeness.

I'm sure underneath that suit, he has a gorgeous body. Not that I'll ever see what it looks like.

"I didn't tell him that. He just assumed you were my girlfriend. I would've clarified." Luca groans.

"You could've told him I'm just your PA and I love to joke around." I point. "You went along with that lie."

He looks at me in confusion. "Why did you decide to go along with it?"

"I heard your conversation with Caleb. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but you were in front of my door. You told him that you lied to your mother about bringing your girlfriend along on the trip and had to look for a pretend girlfriend for your family reunion. So when your uncle asked me whether it was true that I was your girlfriend, I thought he'd had you cornered and you'd said the first thing that had come to mind."

Luca sighs. "My mum, she's been setting me up on one blind date after another." He explains. "That's why I... Anyways, she wants me to bring my girlfriend tomorrow."

I arch my brow in confusion. "I'm not complaining, am I?"

Luca frowns. "Why are we having this conversation in the open."

"I've been wondering the same thing." I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood because Luca seems tense.

He leads me to the car, and we get inside.

"So you're willing to act as my girlfriend at my family reunion?" He asks.

"You sound surprised," I note, bemused.

"How much do you want?"

"It's fine. It's no big deal. You don't have to pay me." I answer.

"I'll give you 100 000 dollars. Is that enough?"

100 000 dollars? I nearly choke on my spit at how he said it like hundred-freaking-thousand dollars is no big deal.

Why am I even surprised? The man is filthy rich.

"You're asking me if that's enough?" I ask incredulously with a small laugh. "Hell, we can go right now if you want."

"Not so fast, Skylar." Luca suddenly says, crushing my excitement. "There are rules."

I lean back in my seat. "And the rules are?"

Luca takes his time to answer as if wanting to heighten my anxiety.

"I know you're a sex addict, Skylar. Don't think I've not heard you've been sleeping with some employees at the company." His eyes challenge me to deny his claim.

My cheeks flush in embarrassment and anger. I knew my colleagues have been talking trash about me. But this much?

"I only slept with one assistant manager!" I glare at my boss.

Luca looks at me with a smirk. "The rumors are true then. It means you've also been having affairs with our business associates as well. You know my company policy against employee relationships."

My heart squeezes in my chest. I've heard a lot of things and been called a lot of things but I've never cared about whatever trash people say about me. So why does Luca thinking I'm a slut hurts me so much?

Tears burn in my eyes and I blink them back hastily, glaring at him. "So where the fuck are you going with this?"

"Watch your tone, Skylar. I'm your boss." He says arrogantly.

"The whole point is that you're going to have to put your sexual hunger on hold while we're pretending to be dating My mum knows a lot of people in the town and LA. I don't want anyone seeing you with another guy. And my family members are out of the question. I don't want you to flirt with any of them."

The fact that he's speaking like he has all the power here irks me greatly. "What if I decide to back out?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

Luca flashes me a smile filled with amusement, but his eyes are cold. "May I remind you it was you who confirmed my Uncle's beliefs that you were my girlfriend? You can't back out now. I could've gotten someone else to do the job if you hadn't messed up."

I don't doubt the last statement one bit. After all, he's the son of the self-made billion Raymond Knight and CEO of the multi-million Knight Group and Corporations which has several branches around the world and deals in construction, tech, textiles, and literally anything business. Girls swoon at the sight of him.

He looks so pleased with himself that I want to slap the smug look off his face. I hold that impulse back though. Luca may not be a ruthless boss, but I don't think he'll forgive a slap.

"And just how long will have to pretend?" I ask with a sigh.

He shrugs, causing the sleeves of his suit to tighten around his strong-looking arms. "I don't know. Maybe a month. We'll spend only three days at the family reunion, but knowing my mum, she can even send a private investigator after us to find out whether we're truly dating. So you'll have to control your sexual appetite for a month."

A month without sex. I always have sex at least once a week and now I have to go without it for a month. But the money he's willing to give me is more than my annual salary. It'll be stupid of me to let it go just like that.

Luca looks at me. "I'm serious, Skylar. If you dare sleep with any of my family members, not only will I not give you the money, but you can also consider yourself fired. I hope that won't be too hard for you. Do we have a deal?"

"Deal."

•4•Meeting The Family

Luca's POV

The next day, my parents send a brand new Ferrari with a driver to come and pick Skylar and me up to the family reunion. Skylar is dressed in a beautiful dress that highlights her curves so perfectly, making her very gorgeous. I find myself constantly stealing looks at her.

“It'll take us about two hours to get there.” i inform Skylar. “I hope you don't mind.”

Skylar shrugs with a smile. “No problem.”

I realize she seems a bit nervous. In the car, we discuss how best to execute our plans to make my mum and my family convinced that we're dating.

Finally, we get to my parent's mansion. The driver finds space among the several parked cars, obviosuly belonging to my relatives.

"Max, please send our luggage inside?"

"Of course." The driver smiles.

“Don't move.” I sternly tell Skylar before taking off my seat belt and getting out of the car. I round the car to the other side and open the door for her.

I stretch out my hand. “Shall I?”

This feels awkward but it's necessary to create a good first impression. Skylar rolls her eyes before taking my hand. I help her step out of the car.

"Wow.” Skylar gasps. “Your parent's mansion is beaut…”

I'm not even listening to what she's saying. Instead, I find my eyes glued to her for the umpteenth time today. She's so freaking beautiful.

Ugh, what the fuck is wrong with me today? I've always known that Skylar is beautiful but I've never paid attention to it like I've been doing since yesterday.

I even dreamt of her last night. Yes. A dream where Skylar is naked and sweaty and panting beneath me while I plow into her warm depths.

Fuck I need to stop this. I have to make sure not to fall in love with Skylar. She doesn't even know the meaning of commitment with the way she sleeps around with so many men.

The driver takes out I and Skylar's mini-suitcases from the booth and is just about to walk off when I stop him.

"Can we talk?"

Skylar and I discussed a lot of things in the car. A lot to make it obvious that we're not actually dating but are only pretending. I can't afford to have the driver talk to anyone about it.

The driver smiles nervously. “Is anything the matter, sir?”

I step closer to him. "Skylar and I said a lot of things in the car. I know you heard…”

"Who me? I didn't hear anything.." The driver cuts me off with a small smile. "Consider me deaf, young sir. I won't speak to anyone about it.”

Grateful, I oat him lightly on the shoulder. "Uh, I need you to bring our luggage later. I'll go in first.”

"Okay, young sir."

Finally, I focus back on Skylar, offering her my arm. “Shall we go?”

Skylar wraps her hand around my arm and we start making our way toward the mansion. Once at the doorstep, I can hear laughter echoing from inside.

“Skylar, are you ready?”

“I am.” She answers after blowing out a deep breath. I can sense that she's a little nervous.

I press the doorbell firmly. It takes some seconds before the door is opened by Chole, a middle-aged woman. She's been a maid at the mansion since I was a kid.

"My boy." Chole beams and instantly attacks me in a hug. "

She finally pulls back after some time and looks at Skylar. “Oh beautiful miss, you're welcome.”

“Thank you.” Skylar whispers.

“Both of you better go in right now. I think your mother is running out of patience.” She laughs shortly.

I shake my head with a chuckle as I lead Skylar into the house.

Okay, fake relationship. Ready. Set. Go

."My darling!" My mother doesn't waste time running towards us as soon as we enter, her face full of joy. She immediately pulls me into a bone-crushing hug, causing me to grunt in protest. "Mum! Ugh.”

"Oh, be quiet!" She squeezes me even tighter as if wanting to irritate me.

Skylar chuckles. My mum finally pulls away to face Skylar, her blue eyes shining with happiness. “You must be Skylar. Oh my God, you really are beautiful. Dennis was so right.”

She immediately pulls Skylar too into a hug. Skylar's eyes widen as if she hadn't expected the hug. I smile to reassure her.

"You don't know how happy I am to meet you!" My mum squeals. "Come, dearie. Everyone is waiting to meet you.”

She takes Skylar's hand and leads her toward our family members who are sitting in the living room, walking excitedly. "She's here, people. This is Skylar.”

“Hey, Skylar.” Everyone says together.

"Skylar is my daughter-in-law." My mum adds.

I groan in exasperation as I step closer to my mother and Skylar. We've just begun our pretense. I don't want my mum to scare Skylar away already by talking about marriage.

"That's enough mother."

I place my hand on Skylar's waist, feeling her stiffen at my touch but I don't remove my hand. Damn, she has such a small waist, and I love the feel of it under my hand.

"Skylar and I have only been dating for three months. It's not the time to talk about marriage, okay?"

My mother glares at me. "This is the first girl you've personally introduced to us in the thirty years we've known you. I even thought you were gay and afraid to come out to us!” She declares.

Everyone laughs causing me to roll my eyes.

"I just hope you guys don't take too long to get married and give me grandchildren.”

Ugh!

Before she can say anything more, I take Skylar's hand to introduce her one by one to my family. The females among my relatives hug Skylar and smile warmly at her while the males shake hands with her.

Uncle Dennis is the only man who hugs her since he already knows her. He seems very excited to meet again.

My smile wipes off when it gets to the turn of my cousin, Ramiro. Ramiro is a known troublemaker in the family and I don't like the way he's looking at Skylar. Neither do I like the way he holds her hand while shaking it.

My stomach drops. Does he know Skylar? Is he one of Skylar's one-night stands? Has Skylar slept with him before?

•5•Unexpected Relative

Skylar's POV

After the introductions, Luca's mother, Cornelia sends us upstairs to go freshen up. We'll be sharing one room which doesn't surprise me.

After all, we're not in the 19th century. But I must admit that the thought of sharing a room with my boss is a bit unnerving.

Luca agrees to let me take a shower first. After I'm done he also goes in to take a shower while I wait for him. When he comes out from the bathroom, he onlyhas a towel around his waist.

His torso is bare and glistening with moisture. My mouth dries as I stare at his sexy body. A week ago, I would've never thought that I would see my boss half naked.

He's like sex on legs. He has wide shoulders which taper to a lean waist, and his stomach is carved to perfection with breathtaking abs.

The towel around him wraps so low around his waist that I swear I can see the beginning of his pubic hair...

“I can get you a camera if you want?” My boss smirks at me.

That causes me to snap out of my daze. “I'm not staring at you,” I say defensively.

“If you say so.” Luca says, his cyan eyes shining teasingly.

Fuck, I can't be around him any longer. “I'll wait for you outside.”

I can hear him laugh as I run out of the room. My heart is beating loudly as I close the door and lean my back against it.

*****

Luca does have a big family. The long dining table is occupied as we sit down to eat. Everyone seems to care about each other and it makes me a bit jealous.

“So how did you two meet?” Someone suddenly asks.

Looking up, I find Ramiro with his gaze locked on me, and my heart skips a beat. Why is he always giving me that strange look as if he knows me already?

Ana, Luca's sister, nods in agreement. “Yes, bro. Tell us.”

Luckily, Luca and I have already discussed what to tell his family. We met at an opening of one of Luca's restaurants.

"I felt entranced by her. But I didn't think I would meet her again.” Luca continues.

"Till we met again a month later,” I add with a smile.

Wow, I'm even beginning to believe our lie.

Luca chuckles. "Luckily for me, she remembered me perfectly. I approached her, and we instantly hit it off ”.

"Lucky guy." Ramiro says, causing me to stiffen. Why does it feel like he's teasing Luca?

"Aww, so beautiful." One of Luca's aunts says dreamily, causing everyone to laugh.

"It is!" Cornelia, Luca's mother chimes in. Then she turns to look at her husband. “Honey, you remember how we met?”

"How can I forget?" Luca's father says, looking at his wife lovingly. "You came for an interview to be my secretary.."

"You were such an asshole,” Cornelia says.

"Well, you did fall in love with this asshole.” Luca's father lets out a small laugh before kissing his wife.

"Aww, you guys should stop. Stop being so sweet." Luca's auntie says. "You'll give all of us diabetes.”

Everyone laughed.

*****

“How was the first day?” Luca asks me just as I'm about to get ready for bed.

I give him a small smile. "It was surprisingly easy. Everyone is so easygoing and… happy.”

I didn't mean to sound so sad with the last word. I quickly school my expression so Luca doesn't notice my sadness

But I should've known Luca won't let it go so easily. “What are you thinking about?”

I shrug as I turn to face him fully. "About how happy your parents are together after so many years of being together. They're so unlike my parents.”

I snort bitterly.

Luca rubs his chin as if he doesn't know what to say. "Are they divorced?"

“Yep.” I reply, trying hard not to think too much. “It was my dad who fell out of love with my mum but was too afraid of breaking our family. He and mum tried so hard to pretend as if everything was okay. They just didn't realize how horribly they pretended because we knew what was going on. Finally, my dad snapped after several years of unhappiness and left the house.”

I blow out a shaky breath. “I used to blame my dad at first, but now I realize that my mum was just as much to blame. Why was she desperate to keep holding on to their marriage even though my dad didn't love her anymore?”

An awkward silence settles between Luca and me. I'm actually shocked about how much of my personal life I've shared with him.

It's been a long time since I let anybody get this close to me emotionally.

****************

The following morning, Cornelia takes all the ladies out to have some fun. We first eat at a fancy restaurant, then go to the beauty saloon before going to a boutique.

When we get home, the men are gathered outside waiting for us. "Why did you ladies. Take. So. Long?" Luca's uncle's words trail off when he sees us.

All of us ladies completely ignore the men as we agreed to, holding our heads up arrogantly as we walk past them without a word.

We all burst out laughing when we're finally inside the house. I realize that Luca is staring at me and walk towards him.

“Hey.” I say casually.

"Hey." Luca's eyes scan me appreciatively. "You look..." He seems lost for words for a while. "...breathtaking."

Fuck, I think I finally know how it feels for butterflies to fly through your stomach.

Later that evening, the family throws a party in the mansion. Everywhere is beautifully decorated. Luca and I descend the stairs together when his mother approaches us.

“Your grandmother-in-law wants to speak to you.” She tells me with a teasing smile.

I follow her to where an old pleasant woman who looks to be in her eighties is seated. It's Luca's grandmother. Her name is Elliot.

For several minutes, she regales me with tales about Luca's childhood that makes me laugh so hard. Like the fact that Luca was still wetting his bed at age seven.

My favorite is when a ten-year-old Luca climbed to the rooftop of his grandparent's house after watching Tarzan for the first time. He was so confident that he could jump and swing on the trees just like Tarzan.

He nearly gave his grandma a heart attack.

I laugh so hard that I think everyone is looking at me as if I'm crazy. Luca appears behind his grandma and hugs her from behind, kissing her on the cheek.

“Ay, don't scare me like that.” Elliot chastises him.

"But I missed you." Luca pouts at his grandma. He looks so adorable.

"You haven't called me in months and have the audacity to tell me you missed me.” Elliot huffs and crosses her hands on her chest, looking away in annoyance.

“Oh Grandma, don't be like that. Work has just been so…”

"Save your excuses, young man. I don't need them."

I almost burst out laughing again. Luca's grandma is so adorable.

"Can I have my girlfriend back now?"

Elliot shakes her head in disbelief, her lips twisting in mock disgust. "Youngsters! They can't stay without each other for just an hour."

I chuckle as I follow Luca. "So what is it now, Mr. Tarzan?"

"Mr. Tarzan?" He furrows his brows at me "Why are you calling me that?"

I laugh without answering, knowing he'll figure it out. "Why did you come to get me?"

"My closest cousin and his wife have arrived. I want you to meet them.."

"Okay." I say, wondering who this cousin is.

The whole world comes to a standstill when I see the cousin Luca wants to introduce me to. The blood in my veins turns to ice.

"Darling, meet my cousin, David and his wife, Becca."

No, this can't be!

•6•Sense Rattling

"You guys know each other?" Luca scanned the three of us with knitted eyebrows.

"No!" I denied sharply. Way too sharply. "I guess we've seen each other somewhere. I mean, maybe."

David raised an eyebrow at me, obviously wondering why I was lying. "Hey, cousin, you have great taste." He said, causing me to glare at him.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Skylar." David stretched out his hand tentatively.

"Likewise." I flashed him a sweet smile as I shook his hand, wishing my eyes were bullets.

It's been three years since he broke my heart and he is happy with the woman he cheated on me with.

"Anyways, I think we will go greet the others now. See you." David announced, taking his wife's hand and leading her away.

Luca turned to look at me before I could unclench my teeth. It's more than obvious that I'm upset by David's presence and he's sure to notice that.

"Hey, let's dance."

Looking at him, I wondered why he was acting like he hadn't sensed the tension.

I didn't know why I'd lied about David and his wife, but if Luca was pretending not to have noticed anything, then I had some questions to answer later.

"A dance?"

"Yeah." Pursing his lips, he rubbed his hand at his nape. "Mum won't stop looking expectantly between us even though I'm dancing with dad. So I figured she expected us to dance."

"I see." I intoned, snorting.

Where did the disappointment that he wasn't asking me to dance because he wanted to come from?

"Fine, let's dance." I needed a distraction anyways to help me drown the memories which were trying to resurface.

Following him as he led me to the dancefloor, I caught Cornelia's eyes. The woman, dancing some distance away with her husband, beamed at me.

A shiver of delight rippled through me when Luca placed his hand on the small of my back, pulling me close to him.

He leaned down a bit, and for a bit, I thought he was going to kiss me until his lips descended past my lips to my ear.

"We've been acting like siblings for far too long. We need to give them something substantial." He whispered against my ear, the timbre of his voice making me shiver.

With that, he pulled me even closer, almost flush against his body as he rocked me and himself to the somewhat fast-paced song.

I knew I was being held and moved and turned and twirled, but I felt myself floating in wonderland.

This closeness was like never before. The enchanting smell of his cologne intoxicated my senses.

None of us broke eye contact as we eased into a rhythm of our own, the tune of the music forgotten as he lowered his head slowly.

"People are watching." His breath fanned against my face.

"Let's give them the show of their lives." I whispered breathlessly.

In the next breath, he captured my lips. An electric jolt zapped through me when our lips touched for the first time, unleashing excitement in the pit of my belly.

The kiss was meant to be brief, I sensed it, but as soon as our lips touched, it felt like that was where they belonged.

His lips were warm and soft, tasting like the wine he'd been drinking, and I could barely hear myself breathe as the pressure of our kiss increased.

His tongue brushed against my lips as if he'd forgotten where we were, seeking entrance. I was just about to grant him entrance when the sudden applause jolted us out of the moment.

we pulled apart so quickly from each other that it sent my senses reeling from the sudden loss of his lips.

As the applause went on with shouts of "Eww.", "What a lovely couple" and "Get a room," I found myself in a trance as I stared at the man who'd just rattled my senses with his kiss, trying to catch my breath, dazed by all the things the kiss had made me feel.

He looked just as startled for a bit, but then he smiled as he pulled close to me again, placing his hand at my waist again.

"These people are so cheesy." He muttered, grinning as he kissed me again.

He kissed me so casually like it was something we usually do.

But he didn't even look a bit affected. Obviously, to him, we were still pretending. To me, I'd never felt this way before because of a kiss.

A moment later, his parents walked over to us with the woman wanting them to change partners. I danced with his dad while Luca danced with his mother, looking annoyed by something she was saying.

I couldn't help my smile as I watched them, knowing his mother was probably teasing him. Luca's father and I danced in comfortable silence till the song ended.

Luca practically run after the song ended with his mother laughing teasingly behind him. "Dad, can I have my girlfriend back please?"

His father quirked a teasing eyebrow at him. "So soon?" He smiled, showing his dimples. He was a handsome man, and it was easy to tell where Luca got his good looks.

Luca nodded earnestly, throwing an annoyed glance over at his mother who merely chuckled. Raymond took his wife's hand and led her away.

Neither I nor Luca said anything or commented about our kiss as we danced to a new tune.

I could barely contain the bitterness from being the only one who'd felt something from the kiss.

Calm down, Skylar. You knew it was all acting from the very start.

Then I saw David and Becky approaching and my heart picked rate as I wondered what they wanted.

"Would you mind me dancing with your girlfriend?" David asked.

Luca agreed without even asking if I wanted that.

"May I?" David asked, placing his hand on my waist without waiting for a response. I was too vexed to speak.

"So how have you been doing, Skylar?" He had the guts to smile at me.

Finally finding my voice, I snorted. "In no way that concerns you."

"My God! Three years and yet so much bitterness."

I scowled at him. "Three years since you cheated on me alright. I'm glad you remember."

David was the first man ever who'd made me dare to take the plunge for a relationship after my first relationship had ended nastily, only to have my heart broken once again when I found him cheating on me with Becky.

"My cousin is a good guy." David sighed. "Is his love not enough to make you forget what I did to you? Why did you lie to him about us anyways?"

"I don't have feelings for you anymore David, but I don't hate you either. Besides..." I was about to say Luca had no right to know about our past relationship when I remembered we were supposed to be dating. "I don't hate you."

"You don't hate me and yet you can't let go of the past. This is the fourth time in three years I'm seeing you and apologizing, but you still have that rancor in you. You should know that to be able to live normally, it's better to let go of the past, the painful ones to be exact."

Thankfully, the song ended right there. I pulled away from David and walked away. I was upset, but I couldn't stop thinking about what David said.

Move on, he'd said like it was the easiest thing on earth.

No way was I going to give another man the chance to break my heart.

Needing to breathe some fresh, invigorating air, I stealthily made for the garden. I passed through the kitchen where the staff were still preparing dinner and went out through the backdoor, trying to behave as normally as possible.

I came to a halt, startled when I caught Ramiro with a girl I hadn't seen before on his lap on one of the long garden chairs.

They were making out and sucking each other's faces like there was no tomorrow. His hands had ridden under her top while he groped her breasts like a lifeline.

Gah. Could this guy be any more disgusting? His family was like just a few meters away and he was here probably intending to fuck the girl right there.

Even I wouldn't be stupid enough to have sex in a public place.

Appalled, I deliberately cleared my throat, watching as they abruptly pulled apart and the girl jumped off his lap.

The girl's cheeks flushed, and Ramiro flashed me a smile I didn't bother to return as I wandered to another part of the very large garden.

There were several flowers. From red roses to peonies to peaches to sunflowers to forget-me-nots, with a centerpiece of tumbling bougainvillea and a well-manicured lawn.

Plucking a handful of the peony flowers, I brought them to my nose, inhaling deeply and letting calm wash over me. I'd always been one in nature.

"I see you are no fan of parties just like me." A voice said from behind me.

I'd known it for just two days, and yet that snug, grating voice wasn't hard to recognise. I rolled my eyes without turning to look at him.

"My cousin doesn't deserve you, you know." Ramiro said.

"And who does?" I snorted, walking away to pluck some more flowers. "No, don't tell me, let me guess. You?"

"You're one intelligent woman. Admit that I'm hotter than Luca."

You wish.

I reached up for a forget-me-not from it's tree when Ramiro suddenly placed his hand at my waist. Horrified, I spun around to face him, throwing his hand off me while I glared at him.

"Don't ever do that again." I warned.

If anything, his smile grew even more arrogant. "You don't remember me, do you?"

A jolt went through my chest. "Why would I have to remember you when I've only known you for two days?"

"Two days, huh?" He chuckled, the sound bringing an uneasy feeling to the pit of my belly. "I bet you wouldn't remember. It took me a while myself, but I finally figured it out."

Then he smiled confidently. “You're the girl who let my best friend fuck you while I watched and jerked off.”

My heart skipped a beat.