Zachary Walton P.O.V

"Yes sir, I'll make sure it will be ready in time," I was on an important conference call when I heard shouting outside my office. I frowned and was glad the call was coming to an end when a very angry Elise burst into my office followed by my new assistant Mary. "Alright, sir I'll be calling you tomorrow with more details on the shipping. Have a good day..." Elise had cut the line.

If I wasn't in a good mood right now I would be so angry at her. Instead, seeing her this angry just made me smirk. Damn, she looked sexy. I looked at Mary behind her and motioned her to leave. As soon as she did I relaxed in my chair and looked up at Elise amused.

"Oh don't you dare look at me like that Mr. Walton! You don't know how much I'd like to wipe that smirk off your face right now!"

"What's got you so riled up Elise? Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?"

"Actually yes! Xavier Hunt called me first thing in the morning!"

"And?"

"Ughhh you are impossible! And he told me my 'boyfriend' called him and told him I wouldn't be able to work with him because I have more important things to do. I mean seriously? You told me about the guy and I wasn't going to work with him. So why go to such length and call the man?"

"Oh, that's what's gotten you all irked up," I smirked getting up and going to where she was standing. I turned her to face me. "Elise, this guy is dangerous. I wasn't sure last night you really agreed not working for him or you just said that to shut me up. So this morning I called him and told him to find someone else."

"But you didn't have to," she said more softly this time. She seemed to relax under my touch.

"I know, but I wanted to. And I was going to call you in any way. I have a proposal for you. Now sit so we can talk business. And before you protest, not as my assistant."

She nodded and sat down "What are you talking about?"

I sat down across from her "We are talking about The Walton's. A chain of hotels around the world. And I want you to supervise the design process. The architect finished his job here in New York, he's heading to another state for the next hotel. In the meantime, I want you to handle the whole project design-wise. Do you think you can do it?"

"I... wow that's huge. I know I can but how can you trust me with such a huge project? I never really worked in the design world yet."

"There's a first time for everything. And take it as a chance to start on your own, without needing the help of any other architect. If we don't like the outcome, and I doubt we'll come to that, but if we do we'll do it all from the beginning. We have time." I said trying to reassure her. I wanted her to take the project because I wanted her to stay close to me and like that I'd be sure she wouldn't be working with some pervert I won't be able to protect her from.

"When will I start?" she asked a few minutes later.

I tried hard to hide my satisfaction "Whenever you're ready."

"Fine, I can start on Monday. I'd be finished with unpacking and settled down."

"We have a deal. Now, do you want something to drink?" she didn't have time to say anything back as my door opened and my mother walked in in all her glory.

I got up and welcomed her "Mother, what a pleasant surprise"

"Stop lying Zachary" she let me kiss her cheek and turned her attention to Elise.

"Oh hello dear, it's been a while since I saw you. I was afraid my idiot of a son hurt you in some way."

She got up and extended her hand for my mother to shake but instead Ella Walton gave her crushing bones hug.

Elise chuckled as my mother hugged her tightly "No he hasn't Mrs. Walton. You've raised a perfect gentleman."

"Are you sure we're both speaking about the same son?"

Elise giggled and nodded. It was melody to my ears.

"Anyway, I'm in a hurry, and I'm glad you're here so I can tell you in person. We're having our annual family charity gala on Saturday, and I intend on seeing you both there. No excuses will be tolerated. You both need to be there with us and support the cause. We are family now." She turned her attention to me "make sure to get there on time, with your girlfriend on your arm".

She gave me the invitation and gracefully walked out. I looked at a shocked Elise "Looks like we have a date."

She rolled her eyes at me and took her purse getting up "I thought this whole fake thing was over."

"It's not. It won't be that easy to end it now, we need more time she needs to forget about Ashley"

"You do realize she'll never let it go right? She'll always find you a perfect bride until you decide to settle down."

"I know but one can hope." I read the invitation "I'll pick you up at 7 pm, make sure to wear a white dress. It's a black and white party."

She nodded and was heading to the door when I caught her by the arm turning her to face me and stroking her face gently "won't you kiss your boyfriend goodbye before leaving?"

She leaned closer to me, her lips mere inches from mine when she whispered "No, I don't feel like kissing my fake boyfriend now. Maybe later." She smirked and turned around to leave when she stopped dead in her tracks looking at the door. I followed her gaze and found Andy.

Not again.

"Andy? What can I do for you?"

"Nothing cousin. I'm here to see Elise, your sister mentioned she was your assistant."

He had some nerves showing up here asking to see her when he knew she was my girlfriend. I was about to tell him to leave but it seemed like Elise wanted to speak with him.

Elise Collins P.O.V

Andy? Here to see me? Oh, this can't be good. I put my bag on the chair and folded my arms against my chest. Today I was prepared to see him, unlike last time.

"Andy? What can I do for you?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

Andy closed the distance between us taking my hand in his with a smile "I was an idiot."

"You weren't an idiot you were a coward. You broke me, Andy." I pulled my hand away from his hating the contact of his skin with mine.

"Can we talk about this privately?"

I felt myself being pulled back by a set of strong arms. Looking behind me I saw Zachary right behind me as my back was touching his chest. "Zachary?" I whispered looking up at his face. He looked... I don't know how he looked. He had a poker face again. I hated that face on him. Where was his beautiful smile? I whispered his name again but he seemed to be having a staring contest with his cousin.

"You can speak with her here. With me by her side. She's not going anywhere with you alone."

The way he spoke was really hot, and it did things to my body. But I didn't like the fact that he was making decisions for me. But I remembered his family thought we were together so I let it slide.

"She's old enough to make her own decisions. Don't you know she hates it when people decide for her?"

Oh- uh.

"I know everything I need to know about my girlfriend Andy. There is no need for your lectures. Now let's get done with this. What did you need to talk to her about?"

"None of your business, if I can't get her alone now, I'll do it later. But there's no way in hell I'm speaking in front of you. Plus, I'm sure she didn't even tell you about it."

Oh no, that can't be good. "Andy, can we not go there? That's in the past," just remembering what he put me through was killing me from the inside. I felt tears slide down my cheeks "I can't do this Andy, I can't talk to you. I'm sorry, you bring back so many hurtful memories." I turned around and buried my face in Zachary's shirt feeling safe.

"You heard her. She doesn't want to talk to you. Now leave cousin. Please."

I didn't hear Andy's reply. All I heard was the door being shut. I pulled away from Zachary and wiped my tears.

"Thank you" I smiled tentatively taking my bag from the chair.

"Where do you think you're going, Elise? I'm not letting you go while you are this upset." I saw him pick up his phone and keys "come on, let's go somewhere and grab a coffee," he offered me his hand.

I looked at it for a few seconds and gladly took it. It was nice holding his hand. It was nice knowing I had someone I could count on.

We walked out of his office hand in hand and headed to the elevators. We were getting stares from almost everyone on the floor. But we both didn't care one bit. The elevator was crowded, I had to snuggle close to Zachary, not that I minded. I took in his perfume and sighed at how sexy he smelled. I heard him clear his throat and could imagine the smirk play on his lips. I looked up and I was right, here it was on full display. I grinned knowing he caught me inhaling him and enjoying it. I wasn't ashamed though. We heard the ding and everyone got out as we waited until they all left before walking out as well.

"You smell nice."

He leaned into my ear "To the point of wetting your panties?"

I was shocked. I couldn't move anymore I just stared at him like he grew another head "what?"

"Oh come on Elise, you know it's true. Come, let's get some coffee and breakfast, I'm sure you didn't get any yet." And he walked to his car as if what he just said to me was something very normal.

Once in his car, I followed him and got into the passenger seat. I was still blushing hard which made him laugh again. Without even processing what was coming out of my mouth I turned and looked at him "I love your laugh. You should laugh more often" I blurted out.

Zachary seemed to have been taken aback but he quickly got over it and smiled at me "When you're around I'll always laugh like that."

He took me to a café and ordered breakfast for the both of us. I could see he was itching to ask me about Andy but didn't want me to get upset like last time. I could tell he was dying to know and I felt ready to tell him everything.

"Ask away Zachary, I won't bite" I smiled at his expression.

"We're back to Zachary now?" he cleared his throat and sat up straight "What's the deal with Andy?"

"Andy and I used to date back in high school. He was my first in literally everything. He broke my heart and left for London."

I could see a hint of anger flash on his face but he quickly shook it away. He took my hand in his "I won't let anyone hurt you again. I'll always do my best to protect you, Elise."

"I know you will. You have always treated me well I would never doubt your intentions for a second" he nodded just as our food came.

We were finishing up when he looked up and asked curiously "what did he do to break you? You're a strong woman. I don't think he just broke up with you."

"No, he didn't just break up with me. He forced me to abort my baby. Our baby."

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