Merry early Christmas everyone! I appreciate all the love this story has received. You guys are awesome xx

It was Friday afternoon and it was almost time to go home. Today was an easy day since all the meetings and paper work got finished earlier this week. Not to blow my own horn or anything, but I was pretty great at this job. It wasn't difficult, just a lot of multitasking.

I didn't know if I was excited or not for Sunday. It was definitely my favorite holiday, but this would be the first year not spending it at home with my family. Alexander said they didn't really do much for Fourth of July, but we may be going to a friend of his for the day. At this point I should be expecting any change to come my home.

My dad had called me the other day and sounded like his old self. I was relieved that he was feeling better, it made all of this worth it. I was disappointed because I wouldn't be able to see any of my family until Thanksgiving, but it gives me something to look forward to. By that time I would be half over with our deal and a closer to actually being home permanently. Though my time with Alex hasn't been terrible, I've actually enjoyed his company. More than I would if I was staying with Diana.

"Hey, Anastasia." I looked up to see John, one of the other employees, walking up to my desk.

He was definitely a good looking guy. His golden blonde hair was cut on the sides super tight while the top was long and brushed back. I had never really talked him though since he was in another department on another floor.

"Hey," I greeted back, putting my pen down. "what's up?"

"A few of us are going to get a drink after work down at Spencer's if you want to come." He invited me, I'm shocked. Since I'm engaged to Alex I didn't think anyone would want to talk outside of work.

I instantly got excited considering all I've been doing were boring meetings and lunches. "Sure, thanks." I eagerly said.

He shot me a smile and nodded. "Cool, see you later."

Once John had turned to walk away I stood up from my desk and opened to door to Alexander's office. I fully expected him to be on the phone, but he was just looking down at his desk reading over something. The clicking of my heels caught his attention. He looked up at me, a small smile gracing his handsome face. "Ana," Alex greeted before looking back down at his work.

I still held the door handle as I had another hand on my hip. "How's everything going?" I asked, not wanting to bring up John right away. I found that easing him into things I want to do works best.

His heavy sigh signaled that things weren't going the best that they could. With his answer also being "It's going," made it pretty obvious as well. Maybe a drink would benefit him more than me. "Everything going alright with you?" He leaned back into the office chair as his hands went behind his head. From this angle I was able to get a better view to see his features looking tired. His stubble was coming in slightly, but I thought that made him even more attractive.

"I can't complain," I said with a nod. "Oh, do you know John White?" I finally brought up.

He raised an eyebrow. "What about him?" His tone lower. Ok so he does know him.

"Funny story—" I started, awkwardly laughing to hide my nervousness. "He invited everyone out for drinks and I thought it'd be a good idea if—"

"No," Alexander cut me off to say, making something in me want to snap.

I crossed my arms over my chest, not standing down on this. "Well I wasn't asking, Alexander." I clarified.

His jaw clenched and released as he placed his hands on the wooden desk, pushing himself up to stand. "I don't want you drunk in front of a bunch of strangers." He snapped.

I rolled my eyes. "Who said anything about getting drunk? Besides, I was actually inviting you to come with." I held his stare and watched as his eyes softened from my words. He walked over to stand in front of me.

"I can't just go drinking with some of my employees, Ana." He said matter-o-factly.

I nodded. "I understand that, but I can go drinking with your employees because their my coworkers. I'll be fine. I'll even take Ronan if you want me to." I offered, trying to find a middle ground. Sometimes it seems impossible with this man.

"No, you'll take Scott." He insisted with a huff.

I bit my bottom lip to try and keep my smile from showing. He was so childish sometimes to the point where it actually was cute. "Fine, I'll take Scott." I agreed.

"You test me, Anastasia." He tried to say seriously, but the smirk gave him away.

I shrugged and sent him a cheeky smile before shutting the door and going back to my desk.

An hour later six o'clock came and it was time to go. The rest of the office that was going had already headed over there, but I was just finishing a few more papers that needed to be filed.

I skimmed through the papers, stopping at a particular orange envelope that had 'PRIVATE' written in bold red letters on the front. He must have given me this by accident since he really only gave me notes and other basic things to look through. I nearly was about to read through it but the door opening from Alex's office caused me to gasp.

"I thought you were leaving?" I heard Alexander ask from behind me. I could feel his eyes on me that sent chills down my spine.

I glanced over my shoulder, still standing in front of the filing cabinet with the paper. "I'm almost done here." I told him, now quickly shoving it into a random folder before closing it.

He was suddenly much closer, his cologne wrapped around me and his breath fanned the side of my face. "This skirt is driving me crazy." He huskily said, tugging slightly on the material. The pencil skirt I was wearing was black that hit a little above my knee, hugging everywhere it needed to and lose where it didn't. "I can't believe I'm letting you go out for everyone to see you in this." His hand grazed from my hip to mid thigh, leaving a burn trailing wherever he had touched. "Every curve," he whispered against my ear.

My eyes went wide and I was grateful I wasn't facing him. "Alex," was all I said, trying to make it sound like a warning, but my voice was weak.

"Hmm," He hummed, his chest pressed lightly against my back. "I love when you call me that." I was slightly taken back by his words, but I didn't want to stop him.

The deal between him and my parents popped into my head and I turned around to tell him to stop, but gasped at the close proximity. He was a breath away to from me. I leaned against the filing cabinet, trying to create some distance, but it was no use. He just further crowded me. "W-what are you doing?" I stuttered out.

He made me weak.

He smirked and looked between my eyes and lips, lingering his own mouth over mine. "Something I should have done a while ago." And with that his lips pressed onto mine. This wasn't like the first time he kissed me when we announced our engagement— no. This was entirely different.

He started to move his lips slowly against mine and his hands gripped my hips, pulling me closer. My mind had stopped all brain function at this point due to the trance his kiss put me in. My body reacted to him before my brain could and I was actually kissing him back. This was only the second time kissing Alexander, but they were addicting. My hands reached up to wrap around his neck, softly pulling on the hair I could reach. His tongue swiped my bottom lip and since thinking wasn't something I was capable of currently, I opened my mouth, letting him deepen the kiss.

If him groaning into our kiss wasn't enough to snap me back into reality, it sure would be his wondering hands that crept lower and lower. I put my hands flat to his chest and pushed gently, just enough to break the kiss. What was I even thinking?! I knew men like him didn't want actual relationships. He most likely thought we'd just use each other for sex during this year, but he has another thing coming.

"W-we can't," I breathed out.

"Why's that?" His voice was huskier and he was searching for an answer with his eyes on mine.

I'd really done it now...

"I don't just fool around, Alex." I explained, coming back to my senses. Having him so close to me made my brain nearly shut down.

He took a small step back, giving me the space I needed. "We're not fooling around, Anastasia." He said, now using my full name. I found this is something he did when he was serious.

"Alexander, this—" I gestured between the two of us. "can't happen again." I raked a hand through my brown curled hair and shut my eyes for a second just to clear my mind that's been filled with thoughts of our kiss. "We're getting married for a year and I know you have needs." Okay this was more awkward than I thought it'd be. "If you need to, um, sleep around? Well you can do that." I said, giving my unnecessary permission. I wanted to make it clear that I wouldn't be able to help him with that.

Someone kill me.

Alex's jaw was clenched as his eyes borred into mine. They darkened as he took a deliberate step towards me. "Sleep around?" He asked, his tone was pure disgust.

I nodded. "I know you have, well, needs. I can't help you with those so yeah. Sleep around," I further explained. "I just don't do casual sex."

His next step forward was a little too close for comfort. I felt his minty breath fan my face, his eyes never leaving mine. "I do not need to sleep around, Anastasia. We are getting married, but I'd never pressure you to do anything you weren't comfortable with. But just know that during this year, you are mine just as much as I am yours."

I didn't know how to respond to his words. They made my heart want to burst at the kindness in his voice. How was he this way when he was surrounded by a world of monsters? "Okay," was as all I said, nearly whispering. I truly wasn't at a loss for words.

"Mr. Knight," his name being called made him take a few steps away from me and I was mentally thanking whoever spoke. Judy rounded the corner, her heels clicking as she approached us.

Alexander glanced at me once more before turning towards her to see what she wanted. "Yes, Judy?" He inquired.

"These are the papers that were dropped off for you." She said, handing the papers over to him. "See you Monday, sir."

He took the papers from her. "Thank you," He said before she walked away. He tossed the stack onto my desk and looked up at me. "I'm coming with you tonight."

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you don't drink with your employees?"

He shrugged. "I can bend my own rules can't I?" He asked with a smirk. "Shall we?"

I gave him a questionable look. "Alright," I said with uncertainty. I started walking towards the stairs, but looked back to see him standing by the elevator. I scowled. "I hate those things,"

He chuckled softly. "Don't worry, come on." He said and I groaned, but walked over there. He pressed the button and the doors opened.

His hand pressed my lower back, leading me in. I looked up at him with narrowed eyes. "Alexander," I warned.

He smirked down at me. "I think we're past the no touching stage."

I rolled my eyes, but didn't argue. I guess he was right.