Anise

I widened my eyes, and covered my mouth to suppress a silent scream. He was real.

He let out a wry smile as I was still in shock.

"Y-you pulled all these?" I questioned in between my teeth. I felt hot around my throat, my face grew paler, but then my heart skipped a beat.

How long has it been? 3 years since I got married. I stepped back from him, swallowing hard.

He was never in support of my marriage, and it felt as though he never existed until now.

He went from attractive to cute and now gorgeous. His permed hair, his sharp jawline, his handsome face that would have anyone dying to stare all day.

His eyes searched mine and I could feel a sense of safety, belonging and peace.

He leaned his face forward, his brows pulled together as though studying me.

"It's the only way to get you off your heartbreak, kitten" he teased, letting out a sided smile that revealed his dimple. 

I hated that name and my palm had turned sweaty as I couldn't help but stare at him.

I took a glimpse at Becky who was blushing, and then took pictures of herself close to the window that would fit a door.

He moved from me and sat behind his desk, his hands gestured to me to take my seat, which I did quickly.

I was nervous, watching as he served me a mug of coffee. However, I just waved it off, but Becky quickly took it and giggled.

"I'd leave you two alone", she teased and then winked at me before vanishing.

What's she thinking? He is...

The soft rustle of paper being turned drew my attention. He had placed a file and a stamp on the table.

"What's this about?" I got to the chase, my eyes staring blankly at the paper he had presented to me.

He let out a sigh and then drummed his fingers on the table. I placed my hands on the table, trying to listen keenly to whatever he had to offer even though I was uncomfortable.

"I know we don't really get along", he began with fixed eyes on me, one that had determination and curiosity.

"I'm offering you a chance to anise..." He held my hands and the cold ran down my spine.

I pulled my hand away, heaving softly and looking away. My eyes only scanned through the paper, and it felt I'd be getting involved in another contract again.

"I'm sorry, Daven, but I'm turning down your offer, I'm better on my own", I responded, pushing the paper forward and rising from my chair.

I don't want to stay any longer than this with him. I just can't be with him.

I was rushing towards the door, to get Becky, and we'd leave. He can find someone to take on the role of his manager.

"Dante" he called, and I paused my steps, my fingers curled into claws. I could feel his presence from behind me.

"Are you just going to sit still and not prove to him what he missed? "Are you just going to let them ruin your life and turn you into a fool for your wasted years?"

I swirled around and staring at him this close made me forget how to breathe.

He was making a point, but then why couldn't I trust him on this?  He has always been overprotective, and he wanted only the best for me.

I don't have to keep my distance again like in the past. We had a strained relationship because of Dante after his several attempts to severe the marriage between us.

What if I give him a chance this time around? He is only playing his role as my...

"And you, what do you want in return and don't say you're doing this just because we're related?" I snapped, as my breath caught in my throat.

His eyes dragged all over me as though drinking every feature on my face and contemplating what to say that wouldn't freak me out.

He took a calculative step forward and my legs stuttered back until I realized I was leaning on the wall close to the door.

My heart scampers as I could feel my sweat trickling down.

"Daven..." I called, my lips apart slightly as we stared intensely at ourselves.

"Become mine, kitten"

"What? We're siblings."

"Step siblings" he stated in a low tone that sent a gripping sensation inside me. He held my jaw, tilting my head to meet his hot gaze.

I tried to push him back, but it seemed I was trapped with him. His eyes passionately stared at me.

"I can't daven, no" I protested, struggling to breathe as his body had enveloped me, it just an inch that separated us. 

His eyes darkened at me as he smirked.

"So you're refusing the offer to become my manager? "Or are you thinking of something else?" he mused, arching his elbow above my head, and I was lost in his eyes.

My mind wandered off to so many things that were for the wrong reasons. I snuggled under his arm, wheezing out air.

He spun around sharply and held my gaze, wanting a response. 

"No, I just...give me a break daven" I responded, barely recognizing my voice as I had grown weak.

"I will, I always do" he whispered, and then curved his lips in a warm smile that melted my heart.

I nodded, snatched the paper and stamped from his desk while scurrying to the door.

"I'd get back to you", I reported, but he gave no response and was just staring more intensely at me.

I looked away and stomped out of the study room. While outside, I placed my palm on my chest to ease my breath.

I feel sick. I took a turn around the lobby only to have Becky jump out of a corner.

She was holding a glass of champagne, now wearing a bathrobe, her hair tied with a towel, and she was mischievously grinning at me.

"Oh my anise! This is fate."