by Lauren Wood
“I’m here to see Ciel’s girl.” Ciel’s friend spoke as he sat in one of the empty chairs like he owned the damn place. I walked up to him with my arms folded in front of my chest and asked “What do you want now?” With a frown plastered on my face.
He smirked as he stared at me and said “You’re definitely Ciel’s girl.” My frown only deepened making Ciel’s friend laugh. “What’s so funny?” I snapped. He held both of his hands up in surrender as he said “Nothing.”
“Well if you have nothing to do with me then I suggest you leave.” I suggested as I started to walk away but he stopped me by saying “I just came to check up on you.” I turned around to face him and asked “What do you mean by that?”
He made himself more comfortable by leaning back in his chair as he casually said “With Ciel gone and all, he told me to check up on you.”
“Why would he ask you? You’re a dick.” Angela pointed out as she stood next to me. “Hey! The name is Zen. I might be a dick but Ciel and I are tight. We might fight and beat each other up but that’s just how we are.” he explained. But I was still confused as I put my hand upon Angela’s mouth before she can speak. “What do you mean by Ciel is gone?” I asked.
He looked at me in surprise as he asked “You don’t know? You’re Ciel’s girl, you should know. And you call me a dick.” he mumbled the last part.
“That still doesn’t answer my question.” I said sternly. Zen sighed as he rolled his eyes. “Ciel is at the airport…” I didn’t care what he said after that because I was already connecting the dots.
Ciel’s brother.
Sunday.
France.
Was Ciel really leaving me? My heart was beating painfully and it felt like my throat closed in. Angela was calling my name but it felt like she was far away. My whole body felt too heavy including my eyelids. To imagine a future without Ciel was too painful.
I know he would be gone for six months but anything could happen in half-a-year. He could find another woman or decide to stay in France. Suddenly my blood started to boil and fists were clenching tightly. Anger filled every cell in my body. I yanked my apron off my body as I harshly threw it in Zen’s face.
“Hey!” he complained. I quickly grabbed my bag from the employee room and started rushing outside.
“Fran, where are you going?”
“Stop! Fran!”
I could hear Angela and Stephen call after me but I didn’t stop. Wasn’t it obvious? I was going to stop Ciel from leaving the country and if I can’t stop him then I demand answers. The vein on my head was throbbing extra painfully today. No one can piss me off as much as Ciel can.
He either was coming home with me or he’ll be dead meat. I quickly hailed a taxi and told him to go to the airport and make it quick. Within the taxi I planned a whole speech in my head, what I was going to say to Ciel when I see him. My head was also asking me, what if I was too late to stop him?
I can’t exactly drop everything and buy a ticket to France. First of all, I’ve never been to France. Secondly, I can’t afford a spontaneous ticket to France. That would literally kill my wallet. I shrugged the possibility of not being able to stop him on time. I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life.
Luckily, there was no traffic at the airport. I quickly paid the taxi driver and ran as fast as I could inside the airport. I looked up all the flights that’s going to France and was in luck that none of them have left yet. I started running around the airport like the idiot I am, ignoring the painful gasps I was getting from straining myself too much.
I whirled my head round and round to search for a certain dark head idiot. My speech was already perfectly organized in my head. As I looked over to the security area where beyond that point was the gates, I noticed a very long line of people. I looked closely and was lucky enough to see the two familiar dark head men.
I wasted no time as I stormed over to where the Storm brothers were. Ezra was the first one to notice me as he called out “Ms. Blake?” Ciel turned around shocked that I was there.
Every single time!
Every single time I finally face Ciel and have a perfect and most beautiful speech prepared for him I would forget every single word once I stand in front of him. Frustrated and pissed off I didn’t hesitate as I rushed towards Ciel who seemed happy to see me, but instead of pulling him into a hug like he expected, I pulled my arm back and punched him in the face.
“Ow! What the hell Fran?” Ciel complained. Ezra just stared at us shocked but it quickly turned into amusement. All eyes were on Ciel but I didn’t care. I shoved Ciel harshly as I pushed him towards a secluded area leaving Ezra behind.
“You ask me what the hell? I should be asking you that Ciel!” I raised my voice. “What are you talking about?” he asked as he held his face where I punched him. I’m not even surprised that it barely did any damage to him.
“I’m talking about you sending Zen to check up on me and I have to find out from him. Out of all the people! You could’ve at least said it to my face you coward!” I growled.
“What are you talking about Fran? Say what to your face?” he asked.
“Don’t play stupid Ciel, I meant you going to France.” I said. It was silent between us for a moment until Ciel burst out laughing. My frowned turned into a mean scowl. Was he playing with me this whole time?
I quickly pulled back my arm again and swung my fist at him, only for him to easily catch it.
“Is that what Zen told you?” he asked.
“He told me you were at the airport. It doesn’t take an idiot to connect the dots.” I told him. He sighed as he unexpectedly pulled me into a hug but I tried shoving him back. “My silly Habanero, I wouldn’t expect anything less if I was actually leaving you. Francesca… I could never leave you.” he said.
What?
“Then why the hell are you in line to go to the gates? Don’t lie to me Ciel, those could be your last words.” I threatened him. He was smiling at me like a complete fool as he said “I told Zen to go check up on you because I was taking my brother to the airport. I was standing in line with my brother because we were talking about the family business since I wasn’t going to France.”
Oh.
He started laughing at my surprised look.
Damn that Zen!
I can’t actually blame him since I didn’t listen to what else he had to say. I jumped to conclusions. I felt all the frustrations and anger slip away. Ciel leaned forward as he pressed a tender kiss to my head and said “You think I would ever leave you? I couldn’t leave you even if I tried. You’re mine Fran, if I ever decide to go somewhere for a long period then I would have to kidnap you. Maybe we can make Fancy Cups go worldwide.”
Without thinking I threw my arms around him and brought him into an embrace and said “One is enough… one is enough.” As I buried my face into his chest. I wasn’t sure if I was talking about only one I Fancy Cups or he’s the only one I needed. It works either way.
He smiled lovingly at me as he wrapped his arms around me.
“I told you Fran, I’m no Mr. Darcy but for the rest of my life I’ll try to make you happy. Make your life story just like the romantic stories you read in your books.” he said. If only he knows that he was so much more than the fictional men. I didn’t need my life to be like a stories in my books.
Ciel was enough for me.
He looked down at me and I looked up into his piercing blue eyes. I stood on my tippy toes as I pressed my lips upon his. It was a loving tender kiss, I poured out all of my love into this kiss. He pulled away and pressed his head against mine as he said “Let’s go home, Fran.”
To me, I was already home. My home wasn’t some building with four walls. My home was a person with two legs. My home was wherever Ciel was.
Who would’ve known that I would’ve fallen for a man who didn’t exist in my fictional stories? If you asked me a month ago if I would fall in love with someone my answer would be, Mr. Darcy is enough for me.
Now I was head over heels for someone who didn’t exist in my books, and he made life so much more.
THE END
MORE STEAMY ROMANCE BY LAUREN WOOD
HEATED EMBRACE: A BAD BOY ROMANCE
Chapter 1
I hated shopping with a passion. It confounded me how any woman would find enjoyment window shopping for hours. It was unfortunate the only job I could get was as a personal shopper. Working for Coleman was a mistake.
He was a friend and came to my rescue when I was down to my last penny. Learning from him was an experience that I couldn’t get anyplace else.
“Are you sure you’re in the right place? I believe that you might be looking for the secondhand store down the street.” This wasn’t the first time I had been mistaken for someone with less sophistication.
I handed over his gold card and her face lit up with dollar signs in her eyes. I was given the unenviable task of buying him a whole new wardrobe. He wanted the latest fashions for his trip to Jamaica. It was going to be business and pleasure.
“He has an account here. I would like the chance to peruse your latest creations. The ones out here are not going to cut it. He wants something unique to stand out from the crowd. Take me to the back room. Don’t give me that look. You know exactly what I’m talking about. He can easily take his business elsewhere.” She was hemming and hawing.
“I’m afraid only a select clientele is allowed back there. We don’t let just anyone see what we have been working on. If Mr. Trask wants to see behind the curtain then he will have to come down here in person.” I was prepared for this answer and had gotten his word written in his own handwriting.
“Mr. Trask doesn’t take kindly to waiting for anything. You might want to reverse your decision. Take a look at this and don’t say I didn’t warn you.” It was delicious to see the look of shock on her face.
I remembered what he had written and was watching her mouth move with every word.
“Haley is there at my request. I understand this is highly unorthodox, but I believe that you will make an exception for me. My influence is far-reaching. My word has significant weight with those in the elite crowd. I can ruin you. Please don’t make me prove it. Show her the same kindness you would show me.” The underlying meaning of his words wasn’t hard to ascertain.
“Follow me and don’t say a word to anyone. I wouldn’t want this to get out.” She was wearing her sophistication and class on the sleeve of her original brand name white and black dress.
It was no wonder she had given me a sideways glance of disapproval. Wearing jeans with my natural beauty without makeup was unheard of. He had given me my marching orders at the end of the day. I exchanged his idea of a business monkey suit for something more comfortable.
“I don’t envy the way that you have to bend over backward to please these people. Mr. Trask can be demanding at times. His reputation does precede him in certain Arenas. The man is known to sleep around with models and Playboy centerfolds.” My body was molded into the perfect image of a woman sexually repressed.
I tried to hide my curves from the male gender. It wasn’t easy when I was blessed and a little top heavy. I had tape wrapped around them, but they had the tendency to break through whatever resistance I put in their way.
“I depend on people like him to keep me in business. My clientele is privileged to have my undivided attention. I cater to the almighty dollar. It’s the nature of the business.” Her name tag informed me her name was Heidi.
Her Nordic good looks and blond hair cascading down her back had most men falling all over themselves. It wasn’t hard to recognize the salivating stare of those undressing her with their eyes.
“Heidi, I know from personal experience what position you are in. I admire any woman who can build something from the ground up. It’s something to emulate. Being a role model for the next generation isn’t easy.” She opened the back door where there were rows of men’s fashion on display.
The feel of the material was like being surrounded by the warmth of somebody’s arms. I could see the craftsmanship and the hard work that went into each stitch. I had unlimited funds with an eye for detail.
“You should really let me give you a makeover. You have all the tools, but you’re not using them. I could make you a living legend. Making an entrance would take on a whole different meaning when I’m done with you.” It was tempting, but I didn’t want to be something I wasn’t for the sake of appearances.
“One of these days I might take you up on your offer. Today is about his business and not mine. He likes smooth lines. This rack is exactly what would look good on him. I will take this shirt in every color. Some of these colors are a bold departure from his daily wear.” I wanted to help him to broaden his horizons.
My red hair with ringlets of curls touched the nape of my neck. I might have only been 5’5, 120lbs, but I knew how to throw my weight around better than anyone. I might have seemed disarming, but I was a firecracker in a small package.
“I see somebody has good taste. If you get tired of working for him there might be a job here for you. I’m always on the lookout for those with a discerning eye.” Growing up, I learned from the master what colors worked for every outfit.
I could easily complement the clothes with accessories. My mother was notorious for walking down the runway to the applause of the crowd. I didn’t inherit the same genes when it came to shamefully putting my body on display.
She was always trying to turn me into her image. Living 1000 miles apart gave me a chance to breathe. I still had to hear her gripe about having no grandchildren. Thankfully, it was only once a week, but it was an hour of mind numbing conversation. It left me exhausted and dreading the next time I was going to hear her voice.
She was always the life of the party and this was something she had in common with Coleman. He didn’t find any liquor that didn’t appeal them. I watched him become a boisterous and a seductive charm for the ladies.
“I appreciate the compliment. My mother would be very happy to hear that. I don’t like having these gifts. We all know the clothes make the person. We also know some designs are not meant for daily use.” I was picking out pieces including pants and belts with my eye turning toward tropical flavors.
“Fashion is in the eye of the beholder. Some people don’t know a good thing when they see it. I hope this puts a smile on his face. I depend on word of mouth for repeat business. You have no idea how many times I have laid awake at night thinking of my financial situation. It’s enough to make me go prematurely gray at the age of 40.” I was hitting my stride at 35.
“I see how you have to put on a brave face of pompous arrogance. I would like to take you out on the town to paint this place red. I can see from your demeanor that blowing off some steam is necessary.” It wasn’t easy for me to make friends, but she spoke to me in a language I could understand.
“I can’t tonight. I have plans I can’t get out of with my mother. I’m sure you can understand family commitments. What are you doing Saturday night? I have a function to attend and I would like to make you my plus one. I want to walk in with you on my arm, but only if you put yourself in my capable hands. I promise to be respectful of your wishes.” She wanted me to step outside of my comfort zone and I didn’t do that often enough.
“I will need a mirror to keep an eye on you. What time is the function? I can come by and we can leave together from here.” She was still a stranger, but I felt like I had known her all of my life.
“I can understand caution. You have to trust someone. Why shouldn’t it be me? I look forward to our next meeting. Be sure to convey my well wishes to Mr. Trask. I do get a little tired of kissing their ass. Money is the root of all evil. It also allows me to put a roof over my head and food in my stomach.” She brought me over to the counter and laid out each individual item.
There wasn’t a price tag on any one of them. It terrified me to know what the total was going to be. I wasn’t priv
y to that information. It was probably better that way to prevent myself from having a heart attack on the floor. The money he shelled out for frivolous means was extravagant. He never thought twice about putting that gold card in my hand.
“We might have more in common than either of us wants to admit. I will make sure Mr. Trask knows that you were cooperative. I won’t even mention about giving you his message.” I could be magnanimous, but only if I was given proper incentive.
“This place would be nothing without the patronage of people like Mr. Trask. I know the old saying about keeping your friends close and your enemies even closer. I do have disparaging comments about him in the morning looking at my reflection in the mirror. It doesn’t stop me from walking in here with my head held high.” She probably envied my position of working for him, but she didn’t know the half of it.
My infatuation was hidden from prying eyes. Coleman had no idea I was harboring a torch for him. Every man was measured by the statue of the man standing before me every day.
“You have nothing to be ashamed about. I wouldn’t consider it selling out. Men like Mr. Trask can get on your last nerve and underneath your skin.” My body was a temple, but I was begging him to worship at the altar of my youthful enthusiasm.
Coleman had been a friend since the moment I met him five years ago in Monte Carlo. I was there on a much-needed vacation and found him playing fast and loose with a game of baccarat. I became his good luck charm and in exchange, he gave me a job. He did try to advance on me, but I was quick to deny him his chance to see me naked. It was something I was kicking myself about.
“I’m always prepared to grovel at their feet. It’s not something I’m proud of. I do it for necessity. I don’t think I’ve ever told this to anybody other than my therapist. You make confession good for my soul. I suspect this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” She was my exact opposite, but there was something genuine deep down where it mattered.