The good girl

Alicia

This outing was just what I needed! I'm finally starting to connect with my coworkers, the very ones who once whispered behind my back. The friend I thought I had now seems to be avoiding me, a reminder of how quickly life can shift. They never took the time to truly know me before passing judgment, and now they don't seem so bad after all. I've begun to forge friendships, especially with a girl named Genevieve. She's lovely, and although our conversations in the office were minimal, she's opened up to me now.

Oh, and guess what? Another branch joined us today! I was thrilled to see Toby and his colleagues from the party. We dove right into conversation, and our department head even snapped some photos to share online. In one particular shot, Toby got a bit too friendly, wrapping his arm around my waist before I could react. The moment the picture was taken, he realized I was uncomfortable and quickly withdrew his hand, apologizing. I know he meant no harm, but I just wasn't at ease with another man's touch.

After that little incident, everything returned to normal as we enjoyed food, drinks, and laughter. Then, a colleague piped up, "Oh? Isn't that Mr. Bernard?" At the sound of his name, I turned to see him standing at the bar. I was surprised to see him here since he had texted me about visiting his mom. Strangely, he avoided making eye contact with me and went straight to our department head to chat while the festivities continued. I couldn't tear my gaze away from him, but then I felt someone staring back—it was Silas. I shot him a look that said, "What?" and he quickly looked away. Good, he knows his place.

I was taken aback to see him here. "The CEO is here; I wonder what brings him?" Toby remarked, and I found myself pondering the same question. "Maybe he came for some reason," I suggested, though even I doubted my own words as I locked eyes with him. The moment our gazes met, I recoiled slightly. Without uttering a single word, he conveyed a powerful message with that look: 'Why are you sitting so close to another man?' It was unmistakably his jealous glare, cleverly masked by his otherwise neutral expression.

I quickly diverted my attention to Toby and the others, offering an excuse. "I need to use the restroom," I announced, rising from my seat and making my way in that direction. As I reached the restroom, my phone buzzed with a message from Lyon: 'I'll be right outside; I want you here in the next ten minutes.'

Ugh, there he goes again with his bossy texts. After finishing up, I rejoined the group, trying to maintain my composure. "Hey, I'm feeling a bit unwell; I think I'll head home," I said. "Oh, I'll walk you to get a taxi," Toby offered. "I don't think she wants you to," Silas interjected, a smirk plastered on his face. "I don't see why you need to butt in," I shot back, turning to Toby. "Really, you don't have to; enjoy yourselves. I'll be fine," I assured him with a smile. He nodded, "Okay, good night, Alicia. Take care." He was far more of a gentleman than that insufferable Silas. "You too, and everyone else," I replied before stepping out of the bar.

Outside, I found Jack waiting, and he opened the car door for me. As I slid into the seat, curiosity bubbled up inside me. "Aren't you supposed to be with your mom?" I asked the grumpy man beside me. "Yeah, I was until I saw you cozying up with that jerk," he replied. I stifled a laugh; he must have caught a glimpse of that photo with Toby. He still wore that irritated expression as I settled onto his thigh, facing him.

His eyes sparkled with a light that ignited my own as our gazes locked, leaving him utterly vulnerable under the weight of his expression, there was a form of adoration in his eyes. "Lyon, my Lyon, you should know it's just you," I whispered, captivated by the intensity of his stare. I had never seen him look at me like this before; it was as if he were a lovesick puppy, and I found it utterly enchanting. Was this truly love I was witnessing, or was I simply imagining it?

I leaned in and pressed my lips against his in a gentle yet lingering kiss. Unlike before, he didn't rush me; he savored the moment, mirroring my tenderness. There was an unusual innocence about him today, almost childlike. Who was this Lyon? As our lips danced, I tasted him, and he let out a soft moan that sent shivers down my spine. I adored this side of him and wished he would reveal it more often. When I finally pulled away, he nestled his head against my chest, inhaling deeply as he wrapped his arms around me. "I am yours, Alicia," he murmured, and I felt my heart stop. Was he serious? Was he under the influence? He repeated it, "I am yours, so don't even think about looking at another."

He held me tightly for several moments before finally releasing me. Then, he kissed me with a fervor I had never experienced before, igniting a fire within me. This man had completely ensnared my heart. I knew it might not be wise, but it was too late for regrets. I had come to realize that I truly loved him, and the thought of him not feeling the same way was a fear I wasn't ready to face.

Upon arriving home, we decided to order some food, and it came just in time. My stomach was growling since I hadn't eaten all day, and I noticed he didn't seem to have had much either, judging by the way he devoured his meal. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "So, why did you go to your mom's? Missing her or something?" He looked at me, a hint of mischief in his eyes, and said, "She set me up on a date." I shot him a skeptical glance, and he burst into laughter. "A date? Really?" My irritation flared as I realized his mother was pushing for him to settle down. "She just wants me to marry into a good family, but don't worry, she's not my type," he added. Though I felt a twinge of unease, I had to trust his words.

He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around me and planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. "When I'm with a woman, I don't look at anyone else. You can be sure of that; I'm yours," he assured me. There was something in his tone that washed over me like a warm wave, bringing an instant sense of relief.

The following day was Saturday. I found myself lying next to him in bed, wrapped in his warm embrace as he slept peacefully. I didn't want to disturb him, so I remained still. Eventually, he stirred and asked, "Are you awake?" I looked up, my face lighting up with a smile. He pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Good morning," I greeted him, and he responded warmly. Just then, his phone rang, pulling him away from our moment. "Lucia, what's up?" he answered, his sister on the line. "Okay, I understand. No, you should know me better than that; it's just like the others, she'll tire of it soon," he chuckled. I couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing. Suddenly, his expression shifted to one of anger. "What the hell did you just say? She went to the company? For what? She has no right! Doesn't she remember I was the one who brokered the deal with her family? I don't want to hear you talking business with Mia; don't test my patience, Lucia."

It was clear he was furious, and I could sense his disdain for his ex. He drove with a scowl, and I chose to remain silent, lying back in bed. But then he glanced at me, and his demeanor softened. "I'm sorry for that outburst," he said, his voice calming. "I need to go sort some things out." He leaned in and kissed me, and I returned the kiss. "I promise I'll be back soon," he assured me. I nodded, smiling. "Just don't do anything reckless," I warned playfully. He chuckled, "That chapter of my life is closed; you're the only one I see." Well, that certainly sounded like a confession.