Chapter 33

"SEAN"

I just had to escape, I was already wondering what on earth made me agree to this stupid arrangement. Ever since the moment that I agreed, Mel had been badgering me about planning and details and meeting the family. I sighed, lifting my glass and draining its contents in one. I found this place on my way back from work, I knew that Mel would never track me down to a place like this. She always said the music was too loud and they were filled with people like her sister. I didn't understand what she meant, but the repulsed look on her face was enough to tell me that it wasn't a pleasant meaning.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even register that someone was approaching, not until she pushed a glass toward me, and sat in the chair opposite. I prepared myself to send her away, just as I had with the other four women who'd tried to engage with me this evening, but the moment that I looked up, that idea vanished. The woman in front of me was beautiful. There was no other word for it. Her long dark hair flowed over her shoulders, and her brown eyes sparkled with joy and energy. Unlike all the other women here, she wasn't dressed in strappy clothing with her cleavage on display and a skirt that could pass for a bra. She was casually dressed in skinny jeans, a purple top and leather jacket. The simplicity of the outfit allowed her elegance and beauty to shine. Confidence radiated off of her in waves, as she sipped from her own glass, but I could detect something else the closer that I looked. She was nervous under that bold attitude. She released her grip on her glass, leaving it to stand just in front of her. I was surprised and intrigued by the fact that she hadn't spoken yet. I tilted my head slightly, trying to interpret her intentions, and get a read on her. I was used to being able to read people, but I couldn't figure her out. I released my empty glass, and picked up the new one, lifting it to my lips, whilst my gaze remained fixed on hers. She watched me drink, and yet still, she remained silent. I chuckled slightly, placing the glass down, smiling at the whole unusual exchange.

"Okay, so you buy me a drink, yet you don't tell me your name , interesting approach."

There was a smirk as she replied:

"I'll let you in on a secret, I didn't buy the drink."

I found her confession slightly amusing, and the longer she was here, the more intrigued I was by her.

"No? So who do I have to thank for this then, some random guy?"

"In a manner of speaking,"

I leant back in my chair, interested to see where she was headed with this line.

"The barman is buying my drinks tonight." She finished cheerfully.

"Wow, how did you manage to swing that one?"

"I have skills , and I like to win."

I was impressed by her unusual charm and character, she was refreshing and I couldn't deny the pull I felt towards her. She was everything that the women in my life weren't. What Mel wasn't. The more she spoke, the more her confidence seemed to take over. Her nervousness had ebbed, and I got to see the person under the surface.

"I don't doubt it. So why did you decide to come over here, and neglect to introduce yourself this evening?" I smirked.

"You gotta let that go dude." She shrugged with a bold grin. "But hey, what can I say, I found your whole "leave me alone" vibe so inviting. "

I laughed at her bold sarcasm. Her honesty was a welcome change from the usual mindless flirting that was often the approach these days. This woman was definitely not a carbon copy, she was sparky and alluring.

"I'm glad you thought so," I replied, shaking my head slightly and smiling to myself, looking back at her, "So, do I get to know your name yet?"

"What ever happened to mystery?"

She pouted at me and I shrugged in response. She blew out a breath, clearly giving up as she answered:

"Roxy."

So that was her name. It had just as much beauty and character as she did herself.

"Pleasure is all mine Roxy, I'm Sean."

I saw a twinkle in her eye as she went on, seemingly with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Right, now that's out of the way," She picked up her drink, downing the last of the drink and rising from her chair, putting it back down onto the table. "Time to dance."

She tilted her head towards the crowded dance floor. There was barely any room for people to move without bumping into or brushing against another person. I was unsure about the idea, and about to say no when she turned it up a notch. Staring me down with a fierce and determined glare. My head was spinning with the debate of should I or shouldn't I. It wasn't a good idea, I was already on thin ice with this woman, yet I didn't want to miss the chance to get closer to her either. I rolled my eyes, laughing as I finished my drink and rose to my feet, and allowed her to lead me out onto the dance floor.

She found a small clearing and turned to me, instantly allowing her body to fall into rhythm with the pounding music. I watched her moves intently, my mind already imagining what it would be like to trace her curves with my hands, feel her soft and warm skin beneath me and to taste her lips. Although her body made no contact with my own, I longed for the moment that it would. Her eyes were fixed on my own, I felt the room melt away as though I was falling into the dark and rich depths of them. I forgot about everything whilst I was with her, the cases on my desk, the late working nights for the week ahead, Mel. It all vanished from my mind, and I felt free. I knew how to dance, not that I did it much, especially not in places like this, but I wasn't going to miss out on this moment. As the gap between us got smaller, and the need to touch her climbed, I was struggling to resist. It was taken out of my hands though, as a man dancing behind her suddenly stepped back, knocking into her and sending her tumbling straight into me, and towards the floor. My body reacted before I could even think about it, reaching out and snatching her from the air, pulling her against me, and relishing in the feeling of her arms closing around my shoulders. Our faces were so close, if I leant forwards an inch they'd be touching. I felt like sparks were flying over my skin where my body touched hers. My eyes found her lips, I'd never been so tempted by anything before. The moment her hand brushed against my neck, I lost any fight I had. Her eyes fluttered closed and she tilted towards me, I responded without hesitation, about to claim those luscious lips. My pocket started vibrating then ringing, and the moment was broken. I cursed in my head at the timing. Irritation now raging through me like a fire. I loosened my hold on her, as she straightened up and I released her, pulling out the phone and casting a glance at the screen. I felt my heart sink and my mouth dry. Melody. Shit, I had to get out of here. My future "wife" was calling me and here I was, about a second away from kissing another woman. Judging by the way I felt a few moments before, there was no way it would have ended in just a kiss either.

"I'm sorry I have to go. It was great meeting you, really." I managed to say, before turning away and hurrying through the crowd.

When I got outside, the cold night air washed over me and I felt myself coming back to my senses. What the hell was I thinking! I'm engaged, even if it's not real. I can't get into a mess like this. For starters, it wouldn't be worth living if Mel found out, and secondly, how would I even explain the situation to another woman. I groaned and made my way along the street hailing a passing taxi. As I sat in the back and gave the driver my address, I couldn't forget the eyes that had consumed me this evening, or the sizzling touch that I could still feel. I wanted more than anything to go back in there and finish what was started, but I couldn't do it. I had made a promise to a friend, and no matter how much of a nightmare she'd been since I agreed, she was still a friend, and I knew her feelings ran deeper, I didn't want to hurt her.

*******

It couldn't be real, someone was pranking me surely! Her sister! Her fucking sister! I was relieved to be back at my apartment, the frustration and disbelief that I'd struggled so hard to contain since she walked into that living room earlier, was now ready to burst out of me. What was even worse was having to sit back and watch the cold and cruel events of the night from her family. Mel had always been so happy whenever she discussed them. The way she spoke about her parents, she made them out to be warm, kind and loving. Sure she never spoke a lot about Roxy, but I figured that was just a coincidence. What I saw tonight made my blood boil. The cold attitude towards her, the spite and viciousness that they treated her with. I hated having to pretend it didn't bother me. I even envied Evan when he got to stand up for her, when he got to say the things that were running through my head. I hated not being able to comfort her. The second that I locked eyes with her, the same spark from the night we met, ignited again. All night, I've had to sit there and fight every single desire and instinct that I have ever had. The image of how she had snuggled up to Evan popped into my head and my body flamed with jealousy. I know they're supposed to be best friends, but when I heard Mel say that they had been more than that, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was still something between them. Every time that he touched her, I had to keep myself from throwing him off of her. How could she have that much impact over me and my actions, my thoughts, everything. I didn't even know her. Remembering the pain in her face, it sickened me. It hurt me.

I heard Mel's steps as she walked into the living room.

"Do you want something to drink before bed?" She asked, walking towards the kitchen.

It was the final thing, the one that tipped the scales as I turned around, seeing her removing her heels and placing them under the table.

"You're not staying here Mel." I half shouted. "How many more times do I have to tell you. We aren't together anymore!"

She looked like she'd been slapped as she recoiled slightly at my raised voice. I knew I shouldn't have shouted. It wasn't the right thing to do, and certainly wasn't how I was raised. But the whole day had been trying enough, and the way she had behaved towards Roxy had disgusted me.

"I know, it's just, well, I thought we could at least try to make it seem real, make an effort, you know, we are getting married."

I sighed, exhausted and struggling to remain calm. I'd gone over this with her so many times now, it was just tiring. I didn't understand why she wasn't getting it. I raked my fingers through my hair and stepped towards her, she pouted at me, clearly trying to make me weaken to her will, however, all I could think was, she doesn't look anywhere near as cute as Roxy doing that.

"Mel, I don't want to keep talking about this. We broke up, we aren't getting back together. This wedding, it's for show, that's all. And the more you act like this, the more you're risking it not happening."

The pouting ceased immediately, replaced with an angry scowl, she advanced on me, fury pounding through every syllable of her words.

"What is that even supposed to mean?"

"It means that you're acting like a totally different person. You're demanding, you're needy, the constant wedding talk is driving me nuts,"

My voice was rising again, weeks of frustration was pouring out of me and I couldn't stop it.

"You're going on like it's our fairytale, it's not real Mel. Then there's tonight, don't even get me started on how you were with your sister."

The moment that I mentioned her sister, she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

"It's a family thing, if this isn't a real wedding, then it has nothing to do with you. Besides, she can take it, she's been screwing up for years, why else do you think I don't have her around. Tonight was nothing."

"See what I mean? How the hell are you so cold about it? Do I even know you at all, because the Mel I know from work, the one who I dated, I can't even see her in this version." I gestured at her, and she softened, stepping forwards and placing her hands on my forearms, soothingly stroking her hands along them.

"I'm sorry okay, It's still me. Every family has its issues. I guess mine isn't an exception. You don't know Roxy, but you shouldn't have had to witness our family drama. Just forget it, she probably has. I bet she's out right now, probably climbing a stranger in a bar,"

She looked to the side in thought, then shrugged,

"Or Evan, I wouldn't be surprised if they still hooked up."

I felt like something twisted inside me at the thought, another guy running his hands over her body, his lips moving against hers. My stomach lurched at the idea that it could be Evan.

Ignoring Mel's continued speech, I pulled free of her, and walked to the cabinet, pouring a glass of whiskey and taking a gulp.

"So, I should go then?"

I rolled my eyes, I'd already told her as much, the hopeful tone in her voice grated on me. Then I had an idea.

"Yeah, but before you do can you just go and grab something for me from the kitchen?"

"Sure, what is it?"

I sent her for a folder that I knew I'd left in the bedroom, seizing the opportunity to rummage through her bag, pulling out her phone. I glanced over my shoulder to see if she was on her way back out. The coast was clear. I pulled up the call screen and typed in 'Rox' and when Roxanne popped up, I quickly typed her details into my own phone and placed Mel's back inside the bag, distancing myself from it in time for her return a moment later.

"I couldn't see it anywhere." She shrugged, looking confused.

"Oh right, crap I'm sorry, I left it in my room." I said, feigning surprise at my made up mistake.

"Okay, I'll go ge-"

"No, it's fine, you get home, I'll deal with it." I interjected, keen to see the back of her by now, to finally be alone.

After she'd gathered her things and left, I downed the rest of my drink, giving myself the courage to do what I was going to do. Pulling out my phone, I looked at Roxy's number, newly saved on my screen, and hit call.

I felt my breath hitch when I heard her voice on the other end, the adorable tired edge to her tone:

"Ev, I'm fine I-"

"Roxy?" I interrupted, brushing aside the slight twinge I felt at her mentioning Evan's name.

"Sean? What do you want? How did you get my number?"

I smirked a little as she seemed to snap to attention, her voice now more alert and intrigued.

"I took it from Mel's phone, I had to talk to you." I replied, nervousness creeping in, as concern of her reaction hit me, and I remained unsure of whether she was about to hang up or not.

"What about?"

I couldn't speak right away, the words not coming to the surface. I didn't know how to make them come out the right way. I feared the response too. I took a breath and forced them out, practically pleading with her.

"Please, tell me you didn't go out tonight."

"What's it to you Sean? It doesn't matter what I do." Her words were snappy and to the point, and I detected a hint of sadness there.

"It matters to me, Roxy, tell me the truth."

I squeezed my eyes closed, holding my breath as I awaited her reply, hoping that the answer wouldn't be what I dreaded. I heard her sigh on the other end.

"I didn't go out, I stayed in with Evan, even went to bed early."

"Is Evan with you?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"No."

"Good."

Relief flooded through me, I knew I had no right to ask her these things, the same as I had no right to be relieved by her answers, but I was, and I couldn't help it. Hope raced through me and I knew that I needed to take this chance. It wasn't a logical decision, it was one that I just knew, I just felt.

"Sorry? What is that-"

"Meet me tomorrow? please, I need to talk to you."

She didn't answer, and I knew that she was probably second guessing it, likely thinking it was a bad decision, one that she really shouldn't be willing to go through with, and yes, it was all of those things and so much more, but there was no way that I couldn't at least try.

"Please?" I asked.

"Fine, Meadow Park, two o'clock."

"I'll be there." I agreed without hesitation, "Night Roxy." I breathed.

"Night Sean."

***********

I wished I could have cancelled that damn meeting, I thought, clearing the stack of files from the table in front of me, before heading back to my office and closing the door. I slumped into my seat, hanging my head in my hands and pushing aside the remnants of the hellish two and a half hour long meeting I'd just finished, allowing my mind to instead replay the night before once again. I went to the club to find her, to speak to her. As much as I wanted her, it wasn't my intention to fuck her against a wall outside. Not that I regretted it for even a fraction of a second. The moment that I'd laid eyes on her, I was unable to contain myself. I would have fought through an army of men to get to her, I needed her, I couldn't get enough of her since that first night we were together. She was on my mind throughout the day, and her incredible body tormented me in the night, filling my dreams with the kind of thoughts that would drive any man wild with need. I felt my skin getting hotter, wishing that I was back at her place, feeling her soft skin under my fingers and hearing her sweet moans of pleasure as I buried myself inside of her.

"Sean?"

I mentally shook myself, bringing my mind back to the present, where my assistant's voice was sounding from the open door.

"Sorry, I did knock."

"Of course, sorry, my mind was elsewhere. What do you need Mandy?"

She looked at me for a moment, as if trying to decide whether to ask more or leave it. Thankfully she chose the latter, tucking her red hair behind her ear, she smiled and stepped further into the room, dropping a stack of paperwork on the desk.

"Mr Henderson asked that these be fact checked and then filed in accordance to relevance and importance by the end of tomorrow.

"Shit." I sighed.

I wanted to get out of here early, I was not going to be cancelling on Roxy, there wasn't a chance in hell. No matter what work came up.

"Is something wrong?" Mandy asked.

It was rare that anything work related was an issue for me. Until I met Roxy, the only thing that would ever get in the way of work was my family, and considering they all had hectic schedules too, it was a rare occurrence.

"Not a problem, just, were these sent to me specifically or just passed along?" I asked, hoping that it was the second option.

Mandy seemed to pick up on my meaning. She smiled sweetly and picked them up.

"Just passed along, pretend you never saw them, I'll drop them into Ted's office, he's at lunch anyway, by the time he decides to come back, it'll be too late to do anything about it."

I laughed as she headed for the door.

"Thank you." I said as she stepped outside of the room.

"Of course, I hope you have a great time."

"I will, oh and Mandy, you can leave early today, I want to be out of here anyway, best escape when we have the chance."

She brightened instantly at the suggestion.

"Thanks, my husband is cooking, so that's perfect."

She disappeared around the corner and I turned my attention to my computer. I wanted to make sure tonight was special. I pulled up the search engine and began looking through possible places to go. Everything looked so ordinary, so typical. Whilst I knew that it would be amazing, just because she'd be there, I wanted her to feel special, I wanted to give her the best night that I could. She deserved it. Over two hours I searched through page after page, link after link, looking for the right place. I felt disappointment creeping in, but that's when I saw it. 'The secret escape of London' and a website link below. As I followed through the links, a page came up, and I was instantly calming. It was beautiful. I flicked through the pictures and knew that this was it. This was where I wanted to take her. A perfectly private dinner. No other people around us, no worry of not being able to be open and relaxed around each other. Just the two of us, and a few members of staff. I didn't want to waste another moment. Picking up the phone, I dialled the number, hoping no one else had already beaten me to it. A man answered the other end and I wasted no time in making the request. I was relieved when they had no reservations for the evening. After I hung up, I gathered my stuff, making my way out of the office, looking forward to the evening ahead.