by Alice Cooper
He frowned and this time it wasn’t his usual frown. He literally looked upset. He stormed towards me until I stood right under the umbrella with him. It was a shock to see him this close without his grin or playful stare. He looked at me with such intensity I swore I was going to melt right on the spot.
“What are you doing?” he asked sounding upset. This snapped me out of my bubble as I frowned back and replied “Are you an idiot? I’m going home.” His frown deepened as he said “You shouldn’t be walking out here in the rain.”
I rolled my eyes and said “Thank you for stating the obvious. Besides it’s none of your—” but I didn’t get to finish my sentence because I felt something warm on my shoulders and noticed that Ciel put his large wool jacket on me. I suddenly blushed and averted my eyes. “I don’t need your jacket.”
I heard him sigh. “If you didn’t notice you’re shivering. A simple thank you would’ve sufficed.” I deepened my frown as I held onto his jacket. I couldn’t help but smell the manly scent of his jacket and all I wanted to do was make love with the smell.
“Thank you.” I stuttered.
“That will keep you from catching a cold. Let’s go.” He said as he faced a certain direction waiting for me to walk since we both were under the umbrella. My head snapped towards him as I asked in surprise “Where are we going?”
“I’m going to walk you home.” Was his answer.
“Why? I can take care of myself.” I said.
His eyes narrowed at mine and I didn’t back down. “A woman shouldn’t be on the streets during midnight especially when it’s raining. Even if you’re a Habanero that doesn’t make you an exception.” He said.
I could feel it again. That feeling I only get when he’s around, the throbbing vein on my forehead. As I tried to keep the urge to strangle him I suddenly felt his hand grabbed mine as he started dragging me.
“Hurry. We shouldn’t be standing in the rain like a bunch of idiots.” he said. He asked where I lived and I was reluctant in telling him as I remembered my wet dream.
He sighed frustratingly. “Fine. Then we’re going to my place. It’s much nearer.” I could already feel the look of horror spreading through every inch of my face. I could imagine a small apartment that hasn’t been cleaned in weeks. He doesn’t seem like one to clean and cook. I could also imagine rats and roaches running around his kitchen.
I have a horrible feeling about this.
My jaw only hung open when we arrived at a fancy building complex. He had to enter a certain code to enter the building and not only did that shocked me but the interior of the lounge was enough to tell me that this place was super expensive.
Did he actually live here?
When we got into the elevator that’s when I actually felt super cold. My body was shivering violently. Good thing that ever since we entered the building neither of us had any eye contact.
We surprisingly arrived on the top floor and as he opened the door to his apartment I could feel my brain crack. His apartment was nothing like I expected it was completely the opposite. It was pristine clean and modernize.
It was an open area with a joint kitchen and living room. The whole wall behind the kitchen and living room is glass giving a beautiful view of the raining sky and a small park nearby. There was three other doors leading elsewhere. The dark marble floor sparkled and the silver kitchen looked brand new.
I could feel a huge banner hanging above me that says judgmental.
“Sorry if my place is a bit messy.” He said as he picked up jacket from the sofa. He called that messy?
I couldn’t stop shivering as I tried tightening his jacket around me. I suddenly felt very weak and black dots dancing in front of me.
“Something wrong Habanero?” And there it goes again with that annoying nickname.
My view suddenly became blurry and started swaying back and forth.
“Habanero?” he called from the kitchen.
My eyesight suddenly got dark and I felt like collapsing.
“Francesca!” he shouted.
One thing ran through my head before everything went black.
It’s his first time saying my name.
And I liked it.
Chapter Four
Ciel
I was too late to catch a falling Fran. When I saw her sway back and forth I sprinted towards her but before I could at least catch her she completely fell with a thud. I quickly scooped her head.
“Fran? Fran?” I called out as I lightly tapped her face. I then noticed that her skin was burning up. I put my hand against her forehead and found out that she had a fever.
What to do?
Crap.
I didn’t know what to do. I’ve never taken care of someone. I scooped her up into my arms and once her wet clothes were pressed against me I knew that I had to change her into dry clothes. As I made my way towards my room with Fran in my arms, I stopped dead in my tracks as I realized that I would have to change her clothes.
I shook my head and continued walking. This should be normal. It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve taken off a woman’s clothes.
I gently laid Fran on my bed as I started by taking off her shoes and jacket. The longer I stared at her the more hesitant I’ve become. We’re talking about my little Habanero, pure and innocent. Yet here I was taking her clothes off and I’m trying my best not to enjoy this.
She has a fever for crying out loud.
I had to at least get her something dry to wear. I snapped out of my hesitant bubble when Fran started shivering from the cold. I quickly started unbuttoning her shirts and instantly felt my face heat up when I saw her cute baby pink bra. It suited her. I stared at it a bit too long. When her shirt was completely off and I had a perfect view of her breasts and body a certain body part of mine was getting too excited.
I shook my head once more and replaced her shirt with one of my shirts. My shirt stopped right below her butt. She looked absolutely amazing in my shirt but I quickly shrugged the thought off as I continued by taking of her pants and replacing it with a pair of sweats. I even successfully fought the urge to peek at her panties.
Once Fran was in dry clothes and snuggled into the sheets of my bed I found myself not being able to look away. I even dried her beautiful red hair and ever since then I wasn’t able to take my eyes off her.
She had a heart shaped face with light freckles scattered across her cute button nose and cheeks, and plumped pink lips that I wasn’t able to forget since the first time I kissed her. Without even thinking I touched my own lips and remembered how hers felt upon mine.
I hesitantly stood up to get a bowl of ice cold water and rag to cool her fever down. I remembered my mom would do the same for me back when I was a child. Regretfully, after taking care of Fran and making sure she’s comfortable I left my room. I entered the kitchen to cook some hot steaming for my little Habanero.
It was helpful that I knew how to cook. After finishing the porridge and fetching some medicine I grabbed Fran’s bag and started digging for her cellphone because I know that her two friends are going to be looking for her soon. I had to let them know about her or else they would call the cops.
Right as I found her phone somebody decided to call. The name Angela flashed across the screen of her phone. Hesitantly I answered.
“Hello.” I greeted.
“Who are you? And what have you done to my precious Francesca?” the woman shrieked from the other side of the phone. I even had to pull the phone back a bit.
“It’s Ciel.” I said without any emotion knowing I’m going to get an earful from this woman.
“You bastard! Give Fran back or else I’ll call the police.” She threatened and I could only chuckle which only added fuel to her fire. “Don’t you dare—” I didn’t let her finished because the argument was getting pointless.
“Don’t worry. Fran got caught up in the rain and she willingly came here to my apartment that’s when she collapsed.” I explained.
“She has a fever. You guys are free to come and fetch her but you should wait at least until the rain stops. It would be bad to bring Fran back into the rain.” I told them.
They both agreed with me as I told them I would text my address. Before we said our farewell they both threatened that if anything happened to Fran they would kill me and make sure nobody finds my body.
As if I would let anyone harm my Fran.
That rainy night I didn’t get a wink of sleep. I sat in a chair beside my bed and kept checking on Fran. At the same time I couldn’t believe the woman I lusted over was in my bed and we weren’t doing anything I wanted. It didn’t help that I was so hard for her right now.
During the night Zen texted me as if nothing happened. He asked if he could come over but I told him that I was at my parent’s home rather than my apartment. I didn’t want him to come here especially that Fran is here.
Once the sun finally showed itself I decided to reheat the porridge and cook some eggs in case she wanted something solid to eat. Right as I finished cooking somebody rang the doorbell. Before going over to the door I made sure my bedroom door was sealed shut.
I looked through the peephole of my door to see my older brother, Ezra standing there in a suit. I sighed as I opened the door right as he took his own set of keys about to open the door himself.
“That’s a first. I expected you to be passed out somewhere or not at home at all.” he greeted me.
“Long time no see brother.” I told him as he entered the house.
“Where were you last night? Mom and dad were waiting for you.” he asked as he folded his arms in front of his chest awaiting my answer. I sighed as I continued my work in the kitchen and replied nonchalantly “It was raining. Got wet before I could arrive.” Lie.
My parents asked to meet with me along with Ezra but as I got change yesterday and started making my way towards our meeting place, I found myself back at Fancy Cups. I wasn’t able to think at all the whole week because my thoughts were filled by Fran only.
“That’s hard to believe.” Ezra said as he frowned. Ezra and I looked almost alike except he had a stubble and wore glasses. He worked in our family business and was about to take over and although he wanted me by his side, I didn’t get along with Ezra that much.
“What you think I was doing last night then?” I asked as I leaned against the counter in the kitchen and he stood in the middle of the room.
“Maybe you were with some woman had your fun with her. Possibly drank yourself to sleep and got into a fight somewhere.” he said.
“I may have drank but not too much. I also didn’t get into a fight,” Not since a week ago. “And I wasn’t with any woman nor have I’ve been with one for a while.” Not ever since I’ve met my Habanero. I tried hooking up with other women but somehow I could never be satisfied. It was like I have this thirst that only Fran could quench.
Ezra was obviously pissed off. He must’ve been thinking that I’ve been lying to him. His fist clenched but before he could utter another word we suddenly heard the creaking of a door opening.
Ezra and I snapped our heads towards my door and my heart started racing. Terrified that someone would find out about Fran. She came out still wearing my shirt and sweats, her red hair was tousled around. A million thoughts race through my head at the sight of her in my clothes and none of them were innocent.
She stopped dead in her tracks as she saw Ezra and I.
“Good morning.” she stuttered but she did smile.
I wouldn’t mind seeing that smile every morning.
Chapter Five
Francesca
My head throbbed painfully as I tried opening my eyes. I quickly regretted the action as I shielded my eyes from the rising sun. I slowly tried getting a glimpse of my surrounding expecting to see the brown ceiling of my room but instead I see a silver ceiling with mini-chandelier in the middle.
As memories from last night start playing in my head I instantly bolted up from the bed and quickly regretted it. I felt like I’ve been running a marathon but it quickly faded as I slipped my legs off the large bed.
Ciel’s room.
I tried convincing myself that this was his guest room or that everything that happened last night was just a dream. But then I heard Ciel’s voice coming from the other side of a door. Don’t tell me his friend is also here.
I slowly opened the door and stepped into the large area but I quickly froze as I saw Ciel and a man who looked exactly like him but had a more mature appeal. The man who looked like Ciel looked over towards Ciel with a raised eyebrow.
“Haven’t been with a woman for a while now?” he said accusingly. Ciel then glared at the man and said “It’s not what it seems Ezra.” My eyes widened.
Was this his lover?
“You’re hopeless.” the man named Ezra said as he started walking over towards the front door. Ciel chased Ezra and said “This woman is just an acquaintance. She was sick—”
“Ciel… Mom and dad counted on you to be there. How many times do you have to disappoint them? You missed out on mom’s birthday for one night with a girl.” Ezra said as he stopped near the entrance.
When he accused Ciel for sleeping with me for one night I felt my face burn up.
“Excuse me! What type of girl do you think I am? I wouldn’t sleep with that idiot even if he was the last man in this world.” I growled which grabbed both of the men’s attention.
“Oh believe me darling, don’t hate it till you try it.” Ciel teased as he gave me a wink.
“Says the one wearing his clothes.” Ezra pointed out. I quickly looked down and realized I was wearing an oversized shirt and sweatpants. My face burned up as I gritted my teeth and stormed over to wear Ezra was. I grabbed him by the necktie so he could at least be close to me since he was as tall as Ciel.
“I don’t know who you think you are but I’m not some girl to sleep with any man. I fainted last night and Ciel took care of me.” I growled in his face. I usually never turn towards physical contact but I won’t hold back if someone accuse me of something I didn’t do especially if it’s sleeping with this irksome idiot.
I heard Ciel chuckle as he said softly “Habanero.”
I then turned towards Ciel and slapped him in the face. He looked at me with wide eyes and asked “What the hell was that for?”
I pointed a finger at him and said “You don’t have the right to change my clothes.”
“Is that how you thank me after I’ve taken care of you all night long? Besides it’s too late I’ve seen enough.” he explained.
The thought of Ciel changing my clothes and seeing what’s underneath my clothes made my skin crawl, but my hormones were feeling the opposite. I literally growled at Ciel and he growled back like we’re both some kind of wild animal.
“Pardon me. I terribly sorry for accusing you miss…” Ezra suddenly spoke as he faced me. “Francesca Blake.” I told him as I completely ignored Ciel and faced Ezra. At the mention of my name Ezra’s eyebrows rose together like he was intrigued.
“You won’t happen to be the owner of Fancy Cups?” he suddenly asked. A smile graced my face at the mention of my precious coffee shop. “That would be me.” I said happily.
Ciel’s eyes widen as he said “Ezra! No—” but he was cut off as Ezra also ignored him and said “Then it’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Blake. I’m Ezra Storm from Storm Enterprise.”
I could feel my eyes sparkle at his family name. Excitement coursed through my body at finally getting the chance to meet the family that helped me open my precious coffee shop.
“It’s truly a pleasure to meet you Mr. Storm.” I told him as we both shook hands. Ezra chuckled at my excitement as he said “It’s also a pleasure to meet you Ms. Blake. It’s nice knowing that your shop is still booming with customers. I’m glad that my little brother’s
decision was a success.” As he clasped his hand on Ciel’s shoulder.
I could feel the blood leaving my face. Ezra. Ciel. Brothers?
So that means Ciel is a Storm?
“Brother?” I stuttered as I stared at Ciel who wasn’t making any eye contact. Ezra looked at me with a sheepish smile and asked “Yes, Ciel is my little brother. Don’t tell me he didn’t tell you that he was a Storm?” When I didn’t answer Ezra knew that Ciel didn’t tell me.
“Ciel here is your angel investor,” he said which made my eyes snapped towards Ciel who was still avoiding eye contact with me. “My brother should’ve told you.” he added as he glared at Ciel intensely.
I felt my face completely drained of blood and my heart stopped beating as it packed its bags and left my chest. Ciel, the guy who irritated me constantly. Is the man who helped make my dream become reality?
I didn’t know if I should be happy or mad. I felt both of those feelings intensely. I’m mad that Ciel didn’t say a word about being my angel investor and I remembered all those times we’ve argued and that kiss. I’m also happy because for the whole week I’ve done nothing but thought of Ciel and awaited the moment he would visit the shop. I could finally think of that wet dream of mine and not feel guilty.
“I truly apologize for my words Ms. Blake. Also please forgive my brother for his complete lack of a brain. I may have to take my leave now. Got work to do and I have to deliver Ciel’s excuse to our parents.” he explained. We shook hands once more.
Everything suddenly happened in slow motion as Ciel closed the door. But once the door clicked shut I stormed up to Ciel and yanked him around to face me. I slammed both of my hands on both sides of him, trapping him within my arms.
“You have some nerve to not tell me… Mr. Storm.” I growled menacingly. I could imagine a dark aura around me as I confronted my angel investor. As I looked up to see Ciel I expected him to look at me with complete horror or fear but there was no trace of fear on his face. He had his usual smirk plastered upon his face.