Chapter 30: Bet

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🎶. Bailamos

"So, like, you're leaving now?" Roman inquired.

Siya hummed. "I've a meeting in an hour with Mr. Morelli."

He nodded. "Well, are you free tonight?" He asked, shoving his hands in his pockets, his eyes not stirring away from hers.

Hers, however did, drifting towards the elevator when it opened with a pleasant chime sound, revealing the professor dressed in a fitted grey suit, dark shades perched on the bridge of his nose, his face void of any emotion.

She tilted her head to the right, taking the advantage of his scattered attention and checking him out openly. He shook his head at Matthew when the man offered to take his suitcase and wheeled it by himself. Every inch of his body appeared tensed although he walked smoothly through the sea of people. The moment he removed his glasses and met her eyes, she looked away, crossing her arms on her chest as she waited for him to reach faster.

Realising the loud presence of someone behind, Roman glanced over his shoulder and stepped aside, the two men stood adjacent to each other, shoulders tensed and jaws clenched.

"Ian, take Mr. Malik to their destination." She instructed, locking her gaze with his.

He didn't say anything, neither showed any emotion. As usual, he looked well organised and calculated, there was no trace of yesterday's Rehan in him.

"Let's go, Mr. Malik," Ian said politely.

Rehan stepped past Roman and close to Siya. Her arms fell to her sides and she looked up at him.

"Is this my punishment?" He asked in a whisper.

She chuckled softly. "No, Mr. Malik. It's your chance at escaping this," she waved her finger up down at herself, "desperate woman who forced you, blackmailed you, stalked you. Run while you can."

He gripped her chin, raising her face so he could look into her eyes. "Definitely a punishment." He murmured, the pad of his thumb rubbing gently over her bottom lip.

He cupped her chin and lowered himself to kiss her, sighing when she turned her head away, causing his lips to land on her cheek instead.

Ian behind them gasped, his eyes wide in shock. He wondered when they reached this level in their nonexistent relationship.

Rehan placed an open-mouthed kiss on her cheek, dragging the soft pair of lips to her ear and breathing out tiredly. "Don't do this." He rasped out, his hand falling to her waist.

She laid her hand on his arm that was holding her waist and went on her tiptoes. "You wanted this," she said softly in his ear, her other arm draping over his nape.

He pulled away just the slightest to look at her. "I want you,"

She kissed his cheek, her smile widening against his stubbled jaw. "Make me believe you do." She mumbled and pulled away, interrupted by his arm that tightened around her waist and pressed her closer to his body.

She sighed when he dipped his head in the nook of her neck and dropped a sweet kiss on the burning skin. "St-Stop," she stuttered in a breathless whisper, startling when he removed his arm from her waist and stepped back, putting ample distance between them. Her eyes flew open, meeting his dark grey ones and she gritted her teeth angrily, hated how easily he makes her lose control. "Ian, take Mr. Malik and leave." She muttered frustratedly.

"Goodbye, Miss. Raichand," he wished softly.

She rolled her eyes.

With a sigh, Rehan gripped the handle of his suitcase and moved past her, the knuckles of his free hand brushed against hers before he walked away.

She cradled her hand closer, turning her head and staring at his retreating back until it disappeared behind the revolving doors. Turning back, she cocked a brow at Ethan's disappointed face, shrugging dramatically as she folded her arms across her chest angrily.

"Mr. Huxley left after it got too awkward for him to wait around," he said catching her attention.

"Good for him," she put on her sunglasses and made her way towards the entrance.

"He is good for you." Ethan made his input when he opened the door of the black Mercedes for her.

She gripped the edge of the door and lowered the sunglasses on the bridge of her nose, meeting Ethan's hazel eyes. "And you're telling me this why?"

"If you want to experience a relationship that is uh- more than platonic, then I think he is a good fit. Even Mr. Raichand would think the same." He stated before quickly shaking his head. "No, he won't. He hates every man around you except me and your brothers. But that's not the point, Roman is good for you. Even better than this professor. I don't understand what is it in him that you like. Roman is far better than him. A gentleman, polite, respectful, and sorted. Everything the professor is not." He snorted.

"True." She nodded. "Roman is nice. But he is not Rehan." She shrugged with a pout and slid inside the car smoothly, crossing her legs as she leaned back and laid her head on the seat, a smile playing on her lips witnessing the scoff on Ethan's face before he slammed the door close and sat at the front.

When she reached the Morelli office building, Ian was already waiting for her in the lobby.

"Did you drop Mr. Malik safely?" She asked as they moved towards the elevator.

Ian glanced at her with an assertive nod and stepped forward to press the elevator button. When it opened, the two of them stepped inside first followed by the two guards.

The elevator ascended to the top floor, a soft ping sound echoed when the doors opened. Damien Morelli's assistant was waiting for her in front of the elevator, a wide smile plastered on her face as she greeted Siya.

"Sir is waiting for you in the conference room, this way," she said holding out her hand.

Siya sauntered behind, the graceful sway of her hips captured many admiring eyes on the way. The semi-sheer black silk blouse tucked in a coffee-colored pencil skirt complemented her skin tone and highlighted her dark brown eyes. Ladies were more enamored by the designer bag hanging on her shoulder with a gold sling, and the gold ring bracelet on her wrist held connected with a beautiful snake charm. Men were distracted by the way she looked rather than what made her look that way, while some believed it was the accessories and physical beauty, some knew it was the confidence and elegance.

Damien Morelli was no different when he saw Siya Raichand walking inside the conference room as if she owns it.

He was quick to get up, surprising his father because his son had never looked so nervous before. This is why he hates women in the business world. They're distraction, climbing on men's beds to later sit on their chairs. He shouldn't have allowed his son to go forward with this deal but knowing the young man, when he sets his eyes on something, he has to have it. And while it was a trait that used to make senior Morelli proud, it was starting to be a nuisance now.

"Good morning, Miss. Raichand," the 29-year-old man greeted, a forced smile spread on his lips because he was as anxious as a child on its first day to school.

Siya nodded in response. "Good morning, Mr. Morelli," she said and sat down after Ian pulled a chair at the other end of the long table.

The two lawyers present from both sides walked to their respective clients and undid the knot holding the contract close.

Siya held out her gloved hand and Ian placed the silver fountain pen. She signed at the end of the document, lifting her hand and letting her assistant turn over the page for her to sign the next document. This continued more than three times after which Ian closed the file and handed it back to the lawyer.

She put the cap of the pen back and held it out towards Ian.

He took it and shoved it inside his blazer pocket.

"Congratulations," Damien broke the long stretch of silence.

Siya smiled at him politely. "Congratulations to you too, Mr. Morelli."

"I prefer Damien."

She nodded. "Alright, Damien."

His lips morphed into a smirk before he let out a chuckle. "That sounds much better."

"I've heard that you're a lesbian," a new, refined, but slightly reedy voice said.

Siya turned her attention towards the old man. "And what if I am?"

"Unnatural," he scoffed openly. "But good for me." He added with a roll of his eyes, glancing disapprovingly at his son who seemed annoyed.

"And what if I like both women and men," she said, crossing her legs and leaning back, her hands interlaced on her knee cap. "Gotta experience best of both worlds." She shrugged.

Senior Morelli looked at her with disgust.

Damien pressed the back of his hand against his lips, holding back a laugh. His father wasn't a man to lose his calm so easily, you need to know which buttons to press to aggravate him. Looks like Siya Raichand didn't really require much time to figure out what those buttons are.

"Amateur," Senior Morelli spat out. "Only amateurs like you would be so bold to speak irrationally on the day of the deal signing. People like you fall deeper than you've risen."

"Well, I love going deeper." She purred.

"Outrageous," he gritted out. "No wonder you managed to earn success so early in the business. Best of both worlds indeed." He taunted with a tone that reflected his repulsion towards her.

"Are you angry because you're a homophobe or because you're a part of the world I wouldn't go for?" She chuckled. "I guess, both." She laughed.

The old man stood up abruptly. "You're going to regret doing business with this shameless woman, Damien. Mark my words." He asserted and strode out of the conference room.

Damien sighed in relief. "I'm sorry about him." He said, sounding ashamed.

Siya waved her hand in dismissal. "Dealt with many judgmental people like him." She said and got up, slinging the gold string of her mocha-colored bag over her shoulder and pushing the chair back. Damien stood up too and the two met on the left of the table, in the center of the room.

"So, I hope you liked the hotel?"

"I haven't seen it yet." She answered.

"Oh," he whispered. "Well, I hope you enjoy your stay there. It was my fault the dates were changed, your bank account shouldn't suffer because of it."

"I appreciate people who respect others' money as much as they respect theirs." She smiled genuinely.

He cleared his throat, glancing around to distract himself from the mesmerizing sight.

Siya noticed and chuckled, shaking her head at the man in front of her. "How are your kids?"

He looked back at her, his smile beaming at the mention of his two little angels. "Good. My elder son just came back from his boarding school for summer holidays, I'm planning to take them out tomorrow."

She nodded. "Well, have fun."

"Would you like to join us?" He asked.

"I don't think I should." She chortled. "While I know your kids must be cute and funny, I don't do well with children." She waved her hands in a gesture of no.

He laughed, nodding slowly. "I understand. I used to feel the same way about kids before I had them. Now, they're everything for me."

"My dad would relate to you in this." She added in amusement.

"You would too a few years later." His smile widened.

"We'll see."

His smile turned confident. "We will."

"I shall take my leave now." She attempted to conclude the conversation.

"Uhm, there are a few business partners I'm going out to casino tonight. Would you like to join us? We'll be in the VIP section, so you wouldn't have to worry about the crowds. I've heard you hate touching people. Something about them being nasty and not worthy of your attention." He added sarcastically.

She laughed softly at that, a pleasant sound that made Damien grin.

"I'll think about it. Mind if I bring someone?"

"A boyfriend?" His smile faltered.

She sighed, a smile dancing on the edge of her lips. "No."

Damien's smile came back. "Sure. The more the merrier."

She nodded and greeted him bye again. Damien insisted to escort her to the lobby and she denied for a few seconds,  later obliging because he was as stubborn as her.

"It was good to see you personally," he said while opening the door of her car for her.

"Likewise," she smiled and sat inside, relaxing back when he closed the door. Ian got in the passenger seat and Ethan took the lead behind the wheels, pulling the car out of the Morelli office building.

"He was smitten." Ian sang loudly once they touched the busy roads.

She rolled her eyes. As if she doesn't know. It was obvious.

"Was he?" Ethan cocked a brow curiously.

"He definitely was!" Ian chirped. "He couldn't keep his eyes off her. I don't know how she played so cool. If I was her, I would have been floored. He was giving her those sexy eyes." Ian giggled. "He asked her out. But she said no." He snorted.

"He wanted to hangout." She corrected.

"With him and his kids. He wanted to share his family time with you! That's a big signal!" Ian turned on his seat, giving big puppy eyes to his boss. "You should have said yes!"

She scoffed playfully. "Shut up. I'm not interested."

"You're never interested in the men who are interested in you." Ian snorted and turned back.

"She likes the chase," Ethan commented, not sounding proud about it.

Siya crossed her arms on her chest and looked out of the window. "You don't understand, Ethan."

"Make me," Ethan said in response.

Ian stiffened, this didn't sound like a typical guard and boss conversation. It was more like a dad-daughter chat.

"I can't let go of him."

"Why? Because you like him, or because you're too dependent on him?"

She didn't speak further and he got the signal.

They reached the hotel they're supposed to stay in until the night of the departure. She got out first, not waiting for the rest and that had them hurrying out of their seats and catching up to her in long strides.

"You said you'll think about tonight because of Mr. Huxley?" Ian asked when they stepped inside the elevator, an excited glint appearing in his eyes.

She frowned. "What does he have to do with it?"

"He asked whether you're free tonight or not," Ian deadpanned.

Her frown deepened and she thought back on the lobby incident, realising Roman had asked her about tonight's plans before Rehan came and blanked her out. She had left him hanging for an answer.

"I can't keep up with so many men suddenly taking an interest in me," she pinched the bridge of her nose.

Ian scowled. "Men had always taken an interest in you, it's you who's starting to slightly reciprocate now." He explained.

"That's a good sign." Ethan nodded. "Makes it easy for you to find a better man than that useless professor."

She sighed tiredly.

"I don't think he is that useless," Ian smirked. "If you know what I mean." He added with a chuckle.

Ethan widened his eyes exasperatedly and shook his head in disbelief.

Matthew scrunched his nose. "Maybe it's time you check your sexuality, Ian."

"Address?" Ian looked over his shoulder, smiling sweetly at the taller man.

"What?"

"I'll go to the same place where you had yours checked." He added sarcastically. "Might as well give me an address now that you're suggesting me ideas. Would go there on your recommendation. Don't worry, I'll make sure you get a discount on your next round." He winked.

Matthew glared at him openly.

Ian flipped him a bird, walking out after his boss when the elevator opened.

Siya halted at the sight of him waiting outside her suite.

He was leaned against the wall, his eyes on the floor. Sensing her presence, he looked up, straightening up the moment he spotted her a few feet away from him.

"Go ahead, everyone," she said to the others.

When it was only two of them in the hallway, Rehan didn't waste a second in approaching her and grabbing her wrist. She flinched, struggling to keep up with his strides as he took her to his room and opened the door, pulling her in and slamming the door close before pushing her against it.

"What-" the words died in her throat, feeling her stomach dip when he slammed his lips against her, a low guttural sound escaped his mouth as he clamped the sides of her waist, his hold bruising, almost proprietary as he opened his lips above hers, kissing her passionately. Feeling her hands slowly roam all over his body, the tension in his muscles released, his body grew fluid, taking her along as he kissed her hard, stumbling through the hallway and entering the suite. She gasped when her hand accidentally slammed against a vase, causing it to fall over and break into pieces. But she didn't get the time to revel in the shock, for he had already captured her attention back to him, his lips were like drugs, kissing her lips but touching her senses, impaling them, rendering them completely useless. She clutched his shirt in her hold, struggling to push him away because she needed to breathe. He pulled away for a moment, letting her suck in a sharp breath before he placed his lips against hers once again, their tongues rolling around each other, dancing in the rhythm of their stolen breathes, grooving in the center of their passion, moving desperately, as if the kiss was their oxygen.

They finally parted, both of their lips swollen, red, and glistening under the dull throb of sunlight filtering through the open windows.

He kissed her again, softly sucking on her bottom lip before leaving it with a gentle tug.

She sighed deeply and opened her eyes, blinking slowly, her long eyelashes brushing against her high cheekbones. "Ever heard of consent?"

"Say you don't want me," he gripped her hips tightly, daring her to repeat the words.

"Not until I forget the words you spoke to me other day," she said and pulled away.

He raked a hand through his hair, messing them more. "What do you want me to do? Tell me! But God damnit don't behave like this! I can't take it anymore."

She frowned. "Is everything always going to be about you, Rehan?"

He dragged a hand down his face. "Do you need space? Time? How much?"

She looked away.

"You're just as confused as I am, Siya." He stepped forward, erasing the distance between them. "You want me, but you don't want it to be easy for me to have you. And that's fair, I guess.

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