Scarlett was at the airport, running last minute checks when the sound of a car  caught her attention. It was Markus' car pulling off in front of the personal jet. Clutching the files tightly to her chest she waited for him to come out.

He finally stepped out, as swiftly and  elegantly as ever, leaving Scarlett in awe by his appearance. Her eyes roamed up and down his body, dressed neatly in a body fitting burgundy suit that accentuated his toned physique.

On the other hand, Markus found himself unable to look away from Scarlett, dressed in a knee-length gown, looking flawless like a diamond. A sense of admiration washed over him and all his tensions left his mind for a brief moment.

"Good morning." She wished him sweetly.

"Morning, Scarlett." He smiled. "We're  ready to go ?"

"Yeah."

They conversed for a couple of minutes after which, the flight took off.

Scarlett sat by the window, admiring the beautiful view outside while Markus focused on the files in front of him.

"You can relax. I have checked everything." Scarlett reassured him, looking at his stressed face. He took a deep breath before closing the files and leaning back on the comfortable seat, his eyes closed.

As Scarlett watched she found herself admiring his disheveled hair, an urge to run her finger through them overwhelmed her. Blushing, she averted her gaze before being caught and fixed it on the view of the cloudy sky outside.

"Have you ever been to Europe before ?" Markus questioned. Scarlett shook her head in negative.

"Then I'll make sure to show you around a bit. Well if time allowed us." Markus smiled leaning forward, receiving one from Scarlett herself.

"Am I not lucky to have a boss like you ?" She remarked sincerly.

"I suppose you are." They chuckled before silence enveloped them as they found themselves lost in each other's eyes. Markus' hand slowly glided across the table and he  intertwined their fingers. Unconsciously, his gaze flickered between her eyes and lips. Nervously, Scarlett licked her lips breaking away from his intense stare.

"You are beautiful." He whispered, turning her into a blushing mess. She mouthed a shy thank you while his lips curved up into a small smirk, enjoying the effect he had on her.

In a couple of hours, the flight landed at the London airport where Markus and Scarlett were greeted by H&B's officials. They settled in a black Range Rover and drove to a big five star hotel. All along the way Scarlett couldn't look away from the beautiful surrounding.

Shortly, they reached the hotel and as they entered the hotel, they were greeted by Timothy Hudson, the co-founder of H&B.

"Mr.Hayes. So good to see you." The man enthused, strolling towards them.

"Likewise, Mr.Hudson." Markus replied as they shook hands. Mr.Hudson's eyes peered over to Scarlett, followed by Markus'.

"Please meet Ms. Scarlett Jones, head of this project and my confidant." Scarlett smiled and forwarded her hand. "I am waiting to be amazed, Ms.Jones." Mr.Hudson remarks. "I am sure you will be." She replies as they shake hands.

"We can keep the meeting tomorrow morning, if thats fine." He suggested.

"Certainly." Responded Markus.

"Great then, Take some rest. I am pretty sure you must be exhausted. Your rooms are ready." Markus gave him a subtle nod and then they were escorted to their rooms.

"I assume you must be famished just as I am." Markus said to Scarlett before entering the room. She gave him a nod.

"Get changed. I'll take you out." Her heart swelled up with immense happiness upon hearing his words.

As she walked inside her room, she was left awestruck upon seeing the beautiful  view of a sandy beach lightened by the evening sun, sinking below the horizon. She glided towards the huge king sized bed and slumped at the edge, "What should I wear ?" She thought before settling for an emerald green knee length dress.

Half an hour had passed, when she heard a knock at the door and a familiar voice of Markus calling out her name.

"You can come in." She voiced and the door swung open to reveal Markus in a navy blue shirt and white trousers. When they saw each other, they were captivated by the sight they beheld.

"You look pretty." He praised.

"You look amazing as well." He smiled, forwarding his hand. She placed her hand in his and they left.

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They ambled along the beach, heading towards a restaurant, lit with fairy lights. The faint sound of music drifted towards them from a short distance away.

As the sun had already set, the moon illuminated the sky above them, casting a gentle glow on their surroundings.

Like a gentleman, Markus pulled out a chair for her before taking a seat opposite to her.

"Its so lively here. Isn't it ?" Scarlett exclaimed. "It is. What would you like to eat ?" Markus asked, scanning the menu.

"You suggest me."

"All right then." He said and called for a waitress and ordered Sunday roasts.

"It ain't Sunday." Scarlett snickers as the waitress leaves.

"It would be Thursday Roasts for us then." He smiled.

"I wonder what would be happening there." She mumbled, looking over his shoulder at the distant club.

"Like clubbing ? huh ?"

"No. I never visited clubs and all, but that kinda looks nice."

"Let's finish our food and then we can check that out too."

"Can I say something ?" Scarlett spoke, her voice had a slight quiver, revealing her edginess to him. "Of course."

"You are the sweetest man that I have ever seen." She gave him a soulful smile. Their eyes met and locked, radiating a profound happiness, surpassing their comprehension.

"Then I am sure you haven't met a lot of men." She laughed. Just then, the waitress came and placed their food.

"I hope you enjoy it." She smiled.

After having their meals, they decided to have a walk in the direction of the blasting music.

"Until we reach there, can I ask you a question ?" She asked. He stole a sidelong glance at her before giving her a nod.

"How did you meet Sam and his family ?"

"For how long, you wanted to ask me this ?"

"Long enough."

"Sam and I have been best friends since we were teenagers. As for Chloe, let's just say ups and downs brought all of us together. Finally, Sam and Chloe tied the knot and then Theo came into existence. They are the only people who I can call my family." Upon hearing his words Scarlett was torn between happiness and sadness. She couldn't understand whether to feel joyful learning about their close bond or sorrowful not being a part of his family.

She discarded her conflicting feelings and gave him a vibrant smile.

As they approached the club, the echoes of the music began to get louder and louder. When they finally reached they were met with a pulsating scene of  energetic dancers, their bodies drenched in the sweat. The volume of music was  deafening.

Scarlett moved closer to Markus, "It's crazy here."

"You called for it." He spoke just then he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw that it was Sam. Excusing himself, he instructed Scarlett to stay right there.

"Hey man." Markus said.

"Hey. How's everything ? You're okay ?" 

"Don't worry. Everything here is fine. I won't let that motherfucker ruin the lives we've built for ourselves."

"I know man. Just stay vigilant." Sam advised Markus before ending the call. Markus admired the beautiful sea before rejoining Scarlett, being bothered by a drunk man.

"Leave the woman alone." Markus asserted, his eyes flaring and jaws clenched. Scarlett was visibly relieved as soon as she saw Markus.

Witnessing Markus' reaction, the man scurried off almost immediately.

"I am glad you came back soon."

"I am sorry, I shouldn't have left you alone amidst these morons." He spitted the last part venomously.

Wanting to ease the tension and prevent the night from being sabotaged, she extended her hand, "Care to dance ?"

Markus gazed at her up and down, his eyes darkened briefly, before he pulled her close by her waist and whispered, his words dripping with seduction, "I'd be honoured."

Their bodies swayed as he twirled her pulling her even closer, until their lips were mere inches apart. Heat surged through her body and Markus' touch awakened sensations in her body that she had never felt before.

"I didn't know that you enjoyed such wild songs." He playfully whispered against her lips, while the upbeat tune of 'Bumpy ride' blasted through the speakers.

"I didn't realise it before." She replied feeling embarrased.

Markus regretted his comment as she tried to get out of his hold which he did not like one bit. He tightened his hold around her, refusing to release her. A squeal escaped her mouth at his sudden move.

"You are going to be the death of me." She hears him whisper, surprising her even more.

"What...what do you mean ?" She questioned nervously. He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ears and placed a soft kiss on her hands, igniting millions of sparks inside her body.

"Shall we leave now ?" Markus suggested, sidestepping her question. Nevertheless, she accepted his proposal finding it too difficult to resist his charm.

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