"Yes, I get jealous. Yes, I get possessive. Why? Because what's mine is mine, and sometimes I think someone might steal you away forever." -Unknown

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( Partially Edited )

Stavros' POV

I woke up with warm sensations, somewhat like warm needles poking on my skin, biting on my exposed skin. I realized it was the sun rays peeking through the floor-to-ceiling window.

I sat up and winced at a throbbing pain in my head. It was like a wrecking ball repeatedly hitting my skull.

My eyes involuntarily darted to a small object on my side table, and it screamed midday. This day has been the longest time I've ever slept.

A ghost of a smile formed on my lips when a scenario of last night flooded my head. The kiss we shared with Alessandra.

Alessandra was lovely, though I did end up having blue balls. However, I find it a success.

Baby steps. She seemed not the sort of a woman to rush.

She was very responsive last night. Her lips were as soft as I expected, and they tasted fruity, similar to her scent.

A wide smile plastered on my face.

Just the thought of the scene makes my down-part anatomy get all excited. Although, it isn't fun having a cold shower every time Alessandra crosses my mind.

I've been doing this cold shower thing since I first saw her in the lobby. Now, after that kiss, it's going to be doubled, that's for sure.

I got up to look for some Tylenol in my medicine cabinet. I needed it to get rid of my headache. Then, I went to take a shower.

I'm still thinking of what to do today, something related to Alessandra, as I don't feel like going to work.

It's Saturday, for goodness sake.

Since when has the day of the week is ever a matter to me?

"Shit!"

How am I going to contact her?

I forgot to ask for her number. I was thinking about asking for it last night, but things got out of hand, not that I regretted anything.

Maybe I'll just show up at her place.

Yeah, that should do.

I went down to my kitchen, made some coffee, and grabbed something to fill my stomach.

So I decided to do some work while eating, and soon I was immersed, just like always, in reading contracts. I made a few calls and didn't realize it until late afternoon.

......................

Alessandra's POV

I woke up and went straight to the washroom to have a shower. I smelt like alcohol, and I don't even know why I didn't get a shower before I went to bed last night.

After I showered, I brushed my teeth and got changed. I headed downstairs to look for Lucy. The lower floor was tranquil, which is so very unusual scenario.

Too quiet.

Where is she? Is she still in bed?

I'll probably make some breakfast and wake her up later. Well, it's ten in the morning.

I was about to open the fridge when I noticed a sticky note.

Ali,

Sorry I didn't wake you up. Last night, I forgot to tell you that I'll be with Alex today. He's friendly, and I want to know more about him.

I already made breakfast. It's in the oven. Keep it warm until you wake up.

Help yourself. I'll see you tonight. Love you!

PS. I still want to know more about last night and what happened with Mr. Hot-Looking Demakis! Xoxo

Lucy

I sighed. Alex must be something since it's the second time my best friend has left me hanging.

I heard my belly growling.

I walked towards the oven and opened it. I saw some scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages on a big plate. I took it out and placed it on the table. Then, I toasted two pieces of white bread and started digging in.

Suddenly, I remembered last night.

Mr. Demakis kissed me.

And it was the most incredible feeling ever. It felt like heaven.

His touch made me go crazy, and he stirred something within me that no man has ever done.

Like I've ever been with a man.

Oh, no! What's happening to me?!

I've met a lot of good-looking guys before, but none of them made me feel like this.

It is a strange feeling but delicious.

Does he like me too? Or did he do it because he was tipsy? Or was it because he saw in my eyes the longing I had to be kissed by him?

Those thoughts made me cringe with embarrassment.

Ali, you're better than that.

Gather your thoughts, and forget about the kiss.

It was just a kiss anyway! My inner-self snapped.

I finished my breakfast and cleaned the plate. Then I took my laptop and settled myself on the couch.

I started reading my emails and sending emails to my parents.

After about an hour, I shut it off and placed the laptop on the coffee table. Since there was nothing else to do, I turned on the television. I was flicking through the channels when I stumbled upon the 'White Collar show.'

It's Matt Bomer.

He's downright dashing.

He reminds me of Stavros. They look alike, but my Stavros looks way masculine and hotter, in my opinion. (They are the same, dummy. Blame the author. She's not thinking, right!)

Why am I even comparing? Wait. Did I say 'my Stavros'?

Oh, shit.

This is not a good sign.

I tried to concentrate on the show, but his face kept popping in my head. It's taunting me.

I briskly got up and looked for my phone. I decided I was going to call mom. As soon as I found her number, I dialed her.

"Ali, honey!" Mom's excited voice reverberated in my ears. "How lovely to hear your voice, sweetheart. I miss you a lot. Come home, please!" She rambled ceremoniously as soon as the line was connected.

"I miss you too, mom. How's everybody doing?" I asked happily, ignoring her last words.

"Oh great, sweetie. It's just that it would be better if you were here. We miss you a lot!" I had to change the topic before it got too despairing.

"I'm loving my job here, mom!" I exclaimed a little boisterously, wincing at the sound of my tone. I smiled, thinking I was starting to talk like Lucy.

"Oh, that's great! How about Lucy? Does she like her job too?" She asked curiously.

I can hear the concern in her motherly tone.

Lucy is like their second daughter. They are very fond of her.

"Yes, mom. We are both enjoying it." I replied instantly.

"That's lovely to hear." She replied as she sighed heavily.

"I thought Carlos would get to like her or Antonio, but these stubborn brothers of yours don't seem interested in dating anymore. God, I don't want them to stay single forever. I want grandkids! Fill this mansion with adorable children.." Mom ranted again. "Why can't any of them like her? She's beautiful, bubbly, and smart!" Mom sounded frustrated. I chuckled.

"Mom, you can't force us to love someone you pick."

"Ugh, but they are getting old. Carlos needs to settle down. I want a grandson from him soon." Mom seethed, and I laughed even more.

"Just wait, mom," I said. She kept ranting about them.

She even compared them to dad.

Dad used to be a casanova in his younger days.

We talked more about my job, boss, brothers, and what's going on in Madrid. After a long time, she said goodbye, saying she was going to bed. I felt relieved.

It's half an hour past three, and I feel tired.

The TV is still on, and I'm watching the next show.

I plopped down on the couch and drifted off to sleep.

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Stavros' POV

I powered down my computer and checked the time on my watch. It's five in the afternoon.

I didn't realize I had worked that long.

I remembered I needed to see Ali, and maybe we could have dinner together. I walked back to my bedroom to get changed.

I wore faded blue jeans, a gray open-neck top, and a tan leather jacket.

I ran my fingers through my hair, picked up my keys and wallet, and headed to the door.

I saw Pancho coming toward me.

"Where to, Mr. Demakis?" He asked with his stoic tone. His shoulders at straight and stiff, back stood ramrod.

"You can relax for tonight, Pancho. I'll drive myself, alright? I'll call if I need you."

He looked adamant, but he conceded, nodding briefly at me.

"Thank you, sir," he said, incredulously looking at me.

I just nodded and headed to the garage.

I then drove off to Alessandra's place.

.........................

Alessandra's POV

I woke up from the constant rapping on the door. I got up, stretched, and listened again to ensure it came from the door, but I heard nothing.

I guess it's the neighbor.

I check the clock hanging on the wall. It's six. It has been a while since I've taken a long nap.

A few seconds later, I heard a knock again.

It could be Lucy. But why?

I know she has her keys. Maybe she left them here. My head was again reeling about Lucy's as I made my way to the door and opened it with a little forceful yank.

I frowned, stunned to see Mr. Demakis leaning against the door frame.

He straightened up when he saw me.

He looked a billion dollars in his outfit. It looked like he hasn't put any effort in at all.

"What are you doing here, Mr. Demakis?" I asked, green eyes slowly narrowing at him.

"Stavros, Alessandra! Call me Mr. Demakis again, and I'll have to kiss you, right here." He wriggled his brows, though his tone wasn't playful, as he smirked.

The nerve of this guy.

I didn't push my luck, though.

"Ok, Stavros. What are you doing here?" I repeated, showing my displeasure.

"Didn't I tell you I'd see you today?" He gave me his smug smile again. Yes, he did, but I thought he didn't mean it. I thought it was the alcohol talking. Why would he waste his time on me?

Unless until he gets under my skirt.

Sorry, but that's not going to happen.

"Won't you let me in, babe? I don't think you'd like an audience," he stated playfully, his eyes dancing with mirth.

Of all the things he said, one word stuck in my growing fuzzy head.

Babe?

That endearment suddenly caused my heart to flip.

I heard the neighboring door was about to open, so I hastily opened the door wider to let him in.

He's right. I don't want those nosy neighbors seeing me with a guy in the corridor.

"Come in." I invited hesitantly, briefly peeking my head through the door, and my gaze swept through the hallway to see if someone happened to witness us. I don't know why I did that. It's not like we were making out.

That reminded me of the kiss we shared last night. My cheeks heated up.

I moved to the side to let him in.

He purposely brushed his side, causing my breath to hitch in a split second.

I felt that familiar sensation again, tickling all my senses.

I tried to compose myself and get a grip, not falling for his sexual innuendo.

I closed the door behind me with a decided click, and I mentally berated myself as I tried to calm my nerves.

He walked to the couch and sat comfortably, crossing his long muscle corded legs.

"So, what's your plan, Stavros?" I asked with no decorum as I crossed my arms on my chest with a cocked brow.

"I'm here to pick you up and join me for dinner, Ali." He shrugged his broad shoulders as he looked around. "And, I don't take no for an answer," he added as he slowly rested his eyes on me. Again, his tone brook no arguments. That kind of tone he uses perhaps to his employees every day.

It was low, deep, but authoritative.

It made my blood boil.

Does this man even know how to ask nicely?

Does he know what a 'favor' means?

Go to hell, Demakis!

"Oh no, Stavros. You can't just barge here and demand me to have dinner with you!" I seethed as I spat the words in displeasure. My jaws clamped tightly, shaking my head in disbelief.

And he just gave a look that revealed nothing. Nothing that hinted of embarrassment, at least. Or perhaps guilt?

My eyes narrowed at him. "What if I have plans tonight? Did that ever occur to your brilliant mind?" I snapped as I scowled at him in irritation, but he just stared at me like I had grown two heads.

Slowly, his lips broke into a somewhat smirk, which intensified my annoyance.

"Do you?" he challenged.

I let out an undignified snort.

I frowned.

My brain suddenly became fuzzy.

All the words abruptly left my mind.

"W-Well.." I stuttered, taken aback. Frowning at the sudden turnaround of the scene. He caught me unguarded. "I'll have dinner with Lucy. I haven't seen her since this morning." I quickly blathered on to reason out as I felt like I got cornered.

Well, I was cornered.

"You have tomorrow, Ali!" he stated, giving me that you're-coming-with-me-either-way smirk.

"What if I don't go?" I snapped provokingly. I'm beginning to hate this jerk.

Just go away.

"Well.." He paused, rising from the couch, standing taller than ever. He slowly closed the gap, standing a few breaths away. He loomed over me, like a predator to his prey, but his eyes weren't predatory in a scary way, but predatory in a delicious way, if possible.

"Consider it then you're fired, Alessandra!" He smirked smugly, then with another intense, heart hammering gaze, he threaded towards the door.

I felt like someone had just poured cold water over my head. "What?! You're unbelievable!" I cried out incredulously.

He's unfair.

He turned around and gave me a lazy look. "Are you coming?"

Our eyes met, challenging each other.

I let out a defeated sigh. I need this job.

"Do I have a choice?" I glared fumingly, wanting to claw his handsome face.

I pursed my lips in annoyance, holding back my tongue to say another word that is not so like me.

I turned on my heel, stomping hard towards the stairs and up to my room to get changed.

Oh, how I'd love to kick his ass.

God, he's a control freak.

I wore a pair of skintight light blue jeans, which showed off my fabulously toned legs that I always get complimented on. I paired it with a silk, pastel pink, flowing tank under a white suit jacket. I completed it with some three-inch black heels. I didn't bother to put on heavy makeup, just some powder, lip gloss, and light mascara.

As soon as I got it done, I hesitantly walked back to the living room, and I found him on the couch, leaning on his back with his eyes closed.

He looked so innocent and masculine. Even when he's sleeping, I can't ignore his beguiling features.

How long was I—

The question in my head was interrupted by his voice. "Do you like what you see?" he suddenly asked cockily, with his eyes shut. Then, a smile crept over his handsome face.

I was caught off-guard.

I thought he was sleeping, but I gathered myself quickly.

"Not really," I replied flatly.

"Oh, really?" he teased, thoroughly amused.

He got to his feet and stared at me.

"You look gorgeous, babe."

Suddenly, he praised me, his eyes openly admiring me.

"Thank you," I replied softly.

He looked like he was about to say something else, but he quickly dismissed it.

"Let's go!" There he is again, bossing me around. He guided me out of the door.

I locked the door securely and headed out with his hand around my waist. I wanted to yank it off, but I knew I wouldn't win. He will just insist, and the night would get longer.

Outside, I saw a black Ferrari 458 Spider, a 2-door, 2-seat Convertible. I know this because one of my friends back home has one.

He opened the door for me, and I got in. He leaned closer, and I froze. He stared at my eyes intensely, then moved his gaze back to my lips.

God, he's going to kiss me again.

I panicked, but I found my eyes closing as my heart raced in anticipation. I could even feel his breath hovering so close to my lips. I waited for his lips to land on mine, but I heard a click.

When I opened my eyes, he was grinning deviously.

I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment. I looked away to hide my flushed face. I've never felt this embarrassed before.

Then, he walked around to the driver's side. He started the engine as soon as he got settled, and we hit the road.

...................

Stavros' POV

I'm in heaven right now. Although I felt terrible, I had to blackmail her into having this dinner.

What's wrong with me?

I've never done this before.

Girls are the ones that persuade me to go out with them. They always throw themselves at me shamelessly.

Just with my mere presence, girls swoon and come without a word.

Why not Alessandra?

Why do I have to sort into blackmailing? It's so unlike me. And quite embarrassing if someone finds out.

But it irked me that she's so immune to my charm.

Is my charm fading?

Dammit! I've never felt so insecure before.

I glanced at her. She looked deliciously hot. Clad in black skintight jeans that show her beautiful toned long legs. That tingling sensation zipped throughout my body. I could feel my groin tightening, and that ache settled. It's starting to be unbearably uncomfortable down below.

I shifted my attention to the road and started to make a conversation.

"What are you in the mood for tonight, Ali?"

"Anything would do." She responded dryly. "I don't have any preferences for tonight. You pick." She continued calmly.

"Ok. I know a place you'd like."

After a few minutes, I parked in front of a fancy restaurant. We were greeted by a beautiful brunette as soon as we got into the restaurant.

"Mr. Demakis." She smiled broadly.

I'm a frequent customer here, and I know the owner. It's a bar and grill, Jacob's family owns it, and it has been serving since he was born. I met him through Alex. They were childhood friends.

"Table for two." I half-smiled.

"This way, sir." She motioned us to follow her, batting her eyelashes and swaying her hips sensuously. I ignored it, which is very unusual. I used to enjoy watching the ladies from behind, knowing they do it purposely, but Alessandra's ass is way better. I know because I saw it last night with that tight blue dress. It showed her round ass tremendously.

Ok, I had to stop thinking about her. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable. I need to bed her soon to prevent this unpleasant feeling.

It's driving me crazy.

"Here you go. A waiter will attend your table in a few minutes, Mr. Demakis." She briefly glanced at Ali, then gave me her beautiful, inviting smile. "Is there anything else you need, sir?" She asked in a flirty tone, and I got the hidden message.

"No, we're fine," I replied dismissively.

She pouted and left. We sat across from each other. After a few minutes, a waiter showed up.

"Hello, nice to see you again, Mr.Demakis. Ma'am." He said as he shifted his eyes back and forth at us. "My name is Ryan. Here's our menu." He handed each one out. "Would you like to start with a refreshing beverage from our bar?" He offered, smiling broadly.

"Sauvignon blanc," I said, not breaking my gaze with Alessandra. She isn't wearing any makeup, and she still looks so beautiful.

"Same here." She said as she smiled sweetly at Ryan and thanked him. I didn't like the way she was smiling at him. I wanted that smile just for me, but I didn't say anything. She's already pissed, and I don't want to aggravate her.

"I'll be back with your drinks, Sir/Ma'am." He quickly left.

"Do you come here often? It looks like they know you here."

"Yes. The owner of this restaurant is a friend of mine." I shrugged while browsing the menu, although I already knew what I wanted to order.

"Your drinks, Sir/Ma'am. Would you like me to come back for your order?"

"Please.." Ali uttered, smiling sweetly at him. She never smiles at me like that. What did this guy do to deserve that smile? I glared at the waiter. He turned around, ignored me, and walked away.

"I have no idea about what to order. What would you recommend? Although, everything sounds good."

Ali murmured. Her eyes were fixed on the menu.

"Would you like something light or heavy?"

"Heavy."

"Try their scampi-style steak & scallops with grilled asparagus. I highly recommend it, that is, if you're into steaks," I suggested, rambling with a bit of vitality in my voice. I winced at the desperate sound from my lips—unconsciously frowning. "It's one of my favorites," I added, forcing a sweet smile.

"I was thinking about that. Alright, I'll have that, thank you." Then she smiled at me.

Finally, the smile I've been waiting for, just for me.

That's what I'm talking about.

Ryan took our orders. I ordered a medium-well 12 oz., Grilled steak & shrimp with loaded potatoes.

I sipped on my wine as I trained my eyes on her.

"How many siblings do you have?" I asked curiously. I want to know more about her.

"Four, I'm the youngest. I have three brothers." She smiled with pride.

"Big family. I want a big family too." I smiled absentmindedly. Just then, it dawned on me.

Do I want to?

We talked about her family and mine. Then she became comfortable with my company. She laughed at my jokes and looked even more beautiful. It felt so good when she laughed because of me.

We had a hearty dinner and decided to walk back to the car. She said Lucy would be home soon, and she didn't want her to worry. We got in the car, and I reluctantly drove her back to her place, but I'm happy we had a good start.

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Partially Edited