I could tell Scarlett was freaking out.

She always did one of the four things if something was bothering her. One, bites her bottom lip while playing with her hair. Two, mess with the hem of her clothes. Three, avoid eye contact with me at all cost. Lastly, four, Ramble on about a random topic.

Right now, she was doing four.

She was currently talking about the net profit margin, gross profit margin, and interest coverage ratio of hotels just to conclude that operating and owning hotels was a tough business. I was trying my best to remain attentive but in reality, I had zero interest in the industrial financial data of hotels.

I knew the cause of her nerves were the result of my flirtatious behavior today. I couldn't blame her, I would have nerves too if I were to be stuck in a hotel room with someone who flirted with me all day.

I honestly didn't think things clearly when around her. I couldn't help myself. My heart and mind were in a constant tug of war. Mind: She's an employee, it's unprofessional and she's recently out of a relationship with Thomas Anderson. That alone makes things even more complicated. I bet she was oblivious to the fact, that there was more to the story than just being competitors if you can even call him that. Was Scarlett aware of how dangerous his family could be?

Then was Heart: but look at her smile. All negatives evaporated into thin air with just a smile. Not just any smile her smile.

I wasn't sure what to make of any of it, it was foreign to me. I couldn't even put it to words if I tried. I just knew that...I liked how she didn't ask what she felt. I liked her little rants and rambles. I liked how real she was, like a breath of fresh air.

Although she didn't mask well what she was feeling, I liked that I still couldn't predict what would come out her mouth next. She was timid one moment and a little Tigre the next. I found myself doing things just to make her smile, to see those cheeks of hers flush to that baby pink color I loved.

I wasn't looking for a relationship, I made sure I never gave any woman that impression. My main priority has always been my company. I knew if I was in a relationship, a significant other would want to be first place. But there's no way I saw myself putting anyone else above a company I worked so hard to build.

I would never ask someone to be second place, it wouldn't be fair. So, for the life of me, I couldn't understand why I was flirting with Scarlett? Despite everything why couldn't I get her out of my head?

She had consumed my thoughts since that night, the way she tasted like tequila and gin, how soft her lips felt, her laugh...Every single thing about her was intoxicating.

Just being in her presence alone made my heart beat uncontrollably. Whatever this was I needed to rein it in fast before it was too late.

Scarlett tapped her finger on the marble front desk of the hotel. "Elias, are you even listening to me?"

I turned my face towards her feeling guilty that I had tuned her out. Maybe changing the subject was my best option at this point. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her feelings.

"What is taking this man so long to bring our hotel key?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Ahh, smooth move changing the subject there buttercup."

I shook my head while I grinned. "You know, I really like those nicknames you give me, they make me feel real warm and fuzzy."

She put a hand on her hip and rolled her eyes until she saw the annoying man and an older woman with purple hair returning to the front desk. The woman sent a death glare to the annoying man, she must have thought no one could catch.

The woman handed me the room key. "Mr. Castellano, I apologize for the mix up of our website, here is your room key. I would also like to apologize for Larry here. It's a pleasure to have you stay at our hotel we appreciate your business. We would like to offer a complimentary dinner and couples massage for the inconvenience."

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary. " I retrieved the room key and headed towards the elevator, Scarlett followed behind.

The elevator ride was quiet except for the bland music that played in the background. Scarlett winced as she took off her black high heels. "Sorry, I know this is unladylike or whatever to take off my high heels but I can't take the pain anymore."

It bugged me that she was apologizing for being 'unladylike' while she was the one in pain. I looked down at her feet and noticed the skin located on the foot of her heels was peeled and bleeding. The elevator doors opened as I shoved the room key in my suit jacket. She started to walk off but I stopped her by putting one hand over her lower back while the other was in the bend of her knees lifting her up to my chest.

Her eyes widened as a laugh escaped her mouth. "Elias Castellano, why are you carrying me! Have you lost your mind? "

"Your feet are bleeding Scarlett, you are in no position to walk."

"Don't you think carrying me is a bit extreme?" She asked, feeling the vibrations in my hand as she laughed louder.

"No, not at all. Don't act innocent I saw you give me that 'look' to come to your rescue" I countered.

She smiled widely her cheeks flushing in the process. "I hate to break it to you but I don't need to be saved."

My heart pounded in my chest as I gaze into her eyes. They were memorizing just like everything about her. The irises were a honey color with the outer edge lined in dark brown. The contrast made her eyes stand out even more, making them my favorite feature of hers other than her beautiful mauve lips.

We reached our hotel room, settling her to the patterned carpet floor as I inserted the key card through the black door. Soon as the door chimed open Scarlett sprinted to the cream couch and flopped over. "This place is a dream, I feel like a queen."

She closed her eyes as she patted on the couch "Are you just going to stand there? You're missing out. "

While her offer was tempting, I had other things in mind. Scarlett seemed slightly disappointed that I didn't accept her offer then closed her eyes shut again.

I took off my suit jacket and hung it in the nearest closet, proceeding to walk into the master bedroom. I sat on the fluffy white comforter lifting the hotel dinner menu from the nightstand.

The restaurant offered an array of food choices from all over the world, anything you could think of, they had. Despite the unlimited choices, It didn't take me long to decide to order her a cheeseburger. She had been craving a cheeseburger the other night but then changed her mind to Italian.

I was betting that she probably still had the craving since it wasn't fulfilled. I ordered me one as well, remembering that Scarlett gave me a weird look when I mentioned I wasn't a fan. Maybe, I could expand my horizons and try one. What's the worst that could happen?

I took off my shoes and made my back to the living area where she was splayed on the couch. She looked more than comfortable with both her hands extended over the top.

My skin raised with goosebumps, not knowing if they came from her or the chilly air of the hotel. I paced to the center of the living room where the electric fireplace was located in the corner. I flipped the switch and orange flames rose instantly. I brought my hands close to the fire, feeling my hands warm almost instantly.

Her eyebrow raised. "What did you go do? I thought you went to the bedroom to fall asleep."

"I had to order the queen some food the last thing I want is for you to eat me. I take threats very seriously Ms. Delacruz."

She giggled. "I thought we were past being on last name basis? Well, Mr. Castellano, I hope you picked something good or else the threat still stands."

I focused my eyes on her. "Well Ms. Delacruz, I guess we will have to see about that, but if I were you, Id tread lightly with those threats."

She gazed at me with the same intensity I met hers. "and why should I tread lightly Mr. Castellano?"

There was a knock on the door taking us out of the moment. Scarlett ran to open the door and the hotel employee wheeled in the cart with our food. He showcased a bottle of wine in his hand.

"Chateau Margaux Red Bordeaux blend on the house. Is there anything else I can be of assistance, Mr. Castellano?"

I nodded while reaching into my slacks to get my wallet and handed the man a tip. "Uh, thank you so much, sir, this is very generous. Have a good evening."

Scarlett squealed from the little dining area of the hotel. "Oh my god, you bought me a cheeseburger!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her reaction, her eyes lit up as she took her first bite. "Mmm so freaking good."

I uncovered my food from the silver platter, Scarlett covered her mouth in disbelief. "You got a cheeseburger too! I thought you weren't a fan?"

"What can I say? I'm a daredevil."

Without further ado, I took a bite, slowly chewing taking in the different seasonings and flavors. Her eyes were wide as if she was watching the most interesting thing in the world. It wasn't half bad, but I was also starving anything would be good at this point. We finished our food in silence as always.

Scarlett made her way back to the cream sectional and laid her head onto the pillow."I will just have to make do with hotel toiletries and no jammies. This comfy couch is my bed for the night and I'm not leaving it. "

I walked over to the couch across from her and laid on my back as I pointed my finger to the bedroom. "No, you will sleep on that king size bed over there. No exceptions."

"Are you going to make me?"

"If I have to I will, even if that means carrying you to the bed myself."

She quickly sat up from the couch giving me a puzzled look. "and where will you sleep Elias?"

I patted the couch giving her a wide smile. "Right here."

Her expressions went cold. "No, I'll sleep on the couch, you already paid for the hotel room. No exceptions."

I ignored her last statement and started to unbutton my shirt slowly, button by button. She wanted to look away but I knew I was too irresistible.

Ok, that was my ego getting in the way.

I threw my dress shirt. "Wear this, I'm sure it will be more comfortable than sleeping in that leather skirt. Andale, go get comfortable and we'll watch whatever you want."

To my relief, she accepted my offer but not without giving me a death stare for about five seconds and stomping into the restroom snatching my dress shirt from the couch.

I had figured from the hot and cold attitude that she was trying to build invisible walls around us. I couldn't blame her for trying to do so, I should be doing the same.

She quietly exited the restroom, my dress shirt practically swallowed her little body falling just above her knees.

I took a mental picture because fück, it was such a beautiful view. She walked passed where I laid and settled back on the couch covering herself with the turquoise throw blanket. I noticed she had washed off her makeup leaving her face a beautiful blank canvas. Her long eyelashes fell beautifully on her face as she stared at her cell phone screen. She had a small amount of brown freckles speckled across her cheeks.

Hours passed basking in each other's silence as we watched Game of Thrones. I wasn't a huge fan of television but this series was pretty damn interesting. But to be honest, I would sit through and watch about anything if that meant being in her presence.

The silence was broken when Scarlett made it known she had a crush on Khai Drogo stating he was a "total babe and would be his Khaleesi any day." We argued back and forth because she insisted I had a thing for Daenerys Targaryen the blonde hair protagonist of the show. Supposedly, every time she came on screen my eyes would glisten which wasn't true but to her it was fact. Then we argued some more, this time over the plot because I fibbed and said it was slow and boring. It was entertaining to get a rise out of her, she looked adorable when flustered.

Somehow, between all that Scarlett had managed to fall asleep on the couch. I contemplated whether I should bring her to the bed but ultimately decided I should let her sleep for a little longer before moving her. While I waited, one glass of wine wouldn't hurt.

I slid the balcony door open the fresh earthy scent of rain infiltrated my nostrils instantly relaxing me. I poured me a glass of wine wafting the sweet smell. The rain pattered against the railing, the lights of the city illuminated on the San Diego bay creating a breathtaking view.

The mixture of rain and cold wind hit my bare chest as I leaned against the metal rails. I turned my head around when I heard the balcony door slid open with a sleepy and delirious Scarlett walking through putting her arms around my chest resting her head on my back. As soon as she was aware of her actions, she suddenly let go and the invisible wall came back up.

Covering herself with the turquoise blanket she sat on the wooden patio chair. "Are you getting drunk without me Castellano?

I let go of the railing and sat down beside her, handing her the glass of wine I poured myself earlier. Her eyes held a hint of anguish as she took in the view.

"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong or I'm I going to have to force it out of you?"

She leaned in closer to my chest then quickly moved back away. "And how are you going to do that? "

I shrugged. "I haven't thought that far, but I'll think of something don't worry."

She took a swig of the red wine. "Fine, I'll cave, this time. I never realized before how cold and mechanical I had become. I shut off my emotions, discarded everything about myself until I became a beautiful robot trophy girlfriend that wore fancy clothes and was always friendly and fake. I became a woman whose sole existence was catering to a man and his needs. It was always one-sided me giving everything and him barely giving anything. I gave my all to him and for what? For him offer to marry some broad while I mourned my mother's death? No matter how cold and heartless I swear I've become hearing Oliver tell me that stung more than I'd like. The past four years of my life were a lie. An illusion. It's a fucking tough pill to swallow. But, the saddest part of all is that a part of me misses it. Not him, just the numbness of it all at least then I didn't have to feel. I can't even blame Thomas, I did this to myself."

"That's no way to live. You can only suppress your feelings for so long before it bottles up and explodes. Right now, you're dealing with the aftermath of that explosion. Give yourself time, don't be too hard on yourself. And Scarlett the last thing you are is cold and heartless."

"I didn't suppress them, I distracted myself and consumed myself in him. And when he ended things I was flooded with- uh gosh just about every single thing that I tried to distract myself from. It's ironic really, now that I think of it. I fell for him because he was a distraction from the pain I constantly felt, and he ended up being the person that would make me not feel at all. He's was like the emotional bath stopper in my life, taking him out made everything gush out of me. But being numb for that long I forgot what it feels like to have emotions. It feels good but at the same time it feels absolutely terrifying."

The temperature of air dropped as the rain fell more heavily. The smell of bruised grass and wet cement filled the atmosphere. Thunder boomed across the black sky causing the balcony to tremble as lightning followed. I usually welcomed silence but this silence was deafening with my lungs constricting with each second that passed. There was no solace I could give her.

"I wish I knew the right words to say, some powerful quote to take it all away and make you feel better. But I don't, I can offer you this though." I brought her closer to my chest as I wrapped my arm over her shoulders, silently hoping she wouldn't pull away this time.

I felt her soft cheek rub against my skin.

Her fingers slowly ran across my ribcage. The sudden touch alerted my senses in more ways than one. "Elias, what the– where did you get these scars from?"

I didn't want to talk about this. Not now.

"I was stabbed." Thinking there was no other nicer way to put it.

She must have sensed from my demeanor that I didn't want to elaborate more. She didn't press further, even though I could see it in her eyes that she was dying to know. We were swallowed back into the silence.

She rested her hand on her chin "I guess we're both dark and twisty."

I stood from the seat and pulled her with me "Come, dance with me."

I grabbed my phone from my pocket and open Pandora. An upbeat pop song now drowned the sound of the rain. She looked at me suspiciously as she stood still.

I moved my shoulders to the music, I was no dancer but maybe this would kill the somber mood. I grabbed her arm and spun her around. She finally let go and lifted her arms as she swayed her hips to the beat.

Seconds turned to minutes as we both got lost into melody our bodies getting closer together as the chorus hit. I spun her around again but this time bringing her closer to my chest. We weaved in unison, her body against mine with our hips brushing together with each move.

By the end of the song, we were both out of breath. I rested my forehead on hers with our noses slightly touching. I cupped her face I needed her to look at me. She bit her lip nervously pulling herself away "Please, don't tell me you're going to kiss me, that be terribly cliché."

Well, at least she didn't say it would repulse her.

I ran my thumb across her lips parting them as I slowly went down to her chin before stopping at her neck "No, I won't kiss you unless you beg me too."

She pushed me against the balcony railing. Raindrops fell on my back as she ran her hands languidly upwards my lower abdomen until she made it to my lips. She caressed them slowly with her thumb while her other hand was gripping my neck. She stopped when my teeth grazed her finger as I gently bit down. She pulled away a look satisfaction filled her face.

"I wouldn't hold my breath on that. It's never going to happen, not even if you beg me." Smirking as she slid the balcony door leaving me in solitude.

And there was the little tigre. I stood there with my heart in my throat, holding on to any strength I had within to not follow her inside. There would be no doubt in her mind that I wanted her if I did.

My body responded to hers like no other woman before. She was the only woman I ever felt could bring me to my knees in more ways than one. She riled something deep inside of me that was impossible to keep contained no matter how hard I tried.

There was no point in denying, I wanted to discover Scarlett, every single inch of her, unraveling every bit until there was nothing left to uncover.

I could tell she was riddled with hesitation. Hesitation, I didn't care for. I wanted her to be as sure as I was. And for that, I needed to wait until she was ready. Ready for me. Ready for us. When that day comes, I would make damn sure she would not regret it.

When I finally trusted myself to come back inside Scarlett was spread over the couch her eyes closed shut with her brown locks pooled over the pillow. She was covered with the turquoise throw blanket up to her nose. I never thought the sound of a mere snore would make my heart feel tingly and light. She looked peaceful like a beautiful angelito.

I was pleased that her past didn't haunt her dreams. A luxury, unfortunately for me I didn't have. The nightmares never stopped.

Of course, she fell asleep on the couch. Scarlett was stubborn but little did she know, so was I. I lifted her gently with both arms off the couch carrying her to the bed. It was a balancing act to try to pull down the comforter while holding her but I somehow managed.

A sense of relief washed over me when she was still fast asleep. I pulled the comforter over her body as her chest rose and fell. I whispered softly "Goodnight, amor."

•••••••
Author's Note:

Scarlett managed not to give in...this time. but I think we all know it's a matter of time. Elias on the other hand,knows exactly what he wants. It's her.

Let me know your thoughts. your comments/feedback make me better writer. I appreciate all the support I've received. It makes me feel validated. Like maybe I'm doing something right.