It was immediately time for breakfast and a bell in Ariels room dinged then a voice came in. “Time for breakfast, eat healthy, stay healthy.”

Ariel rolled her eyes, ‘What a tradition?’ she pondered. Then turned back to the message she just read, she smiled and tilted her head to the left before getting up from her seat.

She stamped out of her room, her black pumps knocking the floor, her radiant brown skin glowing underneath her yellow bodycon suit.

Simon watched in admiration, his eyes fixed on Ariel from watching her step into the dining room to where she decided to sit for breakfast, a bit distant from Alessandro and Ariel.

“I see you are in high spirits this morning,” Simon complimented Ariel from across the table, not caring about Alessandros reaction. To him, she was only an asset to Alessandro so why shouldn't he at least be nice to her.

“Thank you Simon,” Ariel said with a smile which was short lived, cut by Alessandro’s voice. “How did you sleep and what do you have for me?” like a predator his voice lashed.

“Uhm… I would appreciate it if you could give me some more time, I decided to test after the tedious day you and my dad organized for me, respectfully.” she faked a plastic smile, her lips spreading across her jaw.

Breakfast was rushed by the three now family members, and as soon as Alessandro gave the other.

“Simon, I need you to work hand in hand with Ariel in uncovering Valentina’s plans, strategies and hideout.” Turning from Simon to Ariel.

“Did you receive any email earlier today?” Ariel's eyes met with Alessandro after his question, remembering his words and the current look in his eyes. Ariel gulped unconsciously, a feeling of mercy taking over her being.

“I did.” she licked her lips and took the serviette beside her food and cleaned the corners of her mouth. Unknown to her that Alessandro eyes were still fixed on her.

Alessandro then pulled her out of the chair and walked beside her with her left hand in his right, with a grip of want, need.

When he finally got into Ariel's room with her directly behind him, he shut the door. Put her back against the wall, his eyes piercing Ariel's eyes like he was looking at her soul.

Her breath quavered, her Jenifer Lopez like shoulders shrinking even more as both their heart beat quickened, Ariel found herself suffocating in her position, her lips fell apart as she began breathing with her mouth, sending an irresistible urge to Alessandro.

Ariel's eyes went shut in fright then her lips felt his, soft and cold his lips covered hers. He smooched on Ariel's soft strawberry like lips. His hunger for her increased as his tongue separated Ariel's lips allowing him suckle her tongue.

Ariel's hands unknowingly held Alessandro’s head as their kiss deepened, Alessandro's chest pressing Ariels breast, reassign the gap between them, pushing Ariel more against the wall.

“I want you so terribly,” Alessandro whispered against Ariels lips, parting them with his thump. He then kissed her on her forehead for what felt like five seconds, his firm muscular hands wrapped around her waist.

“Mr. Alessandro ,” a voice followed by a knock came in from outside Ariels door, releasing the tension that lingered in the room and most of all in Ariel. Her lips were still parted and her chest heaving up and down.

“I will see you when I get back,” Alessandro spoke in his usual firm and gruff tone, before he walked out.

Ariel tried to process what had just happened. How deep their kiss was, like they were breaking each others walls. Her body had betrayed her. She never envisioned letting herself melt into Alessandro like that.

“He must have done something to me,” she Sid out loud. “Done what partner? What has selfish brother done this time, force you to make out with him?” Simon voice sent a striking sensation in Ariel's throat once more.

She was so wrapped up in thought she hadn't released Simon was in her room. Still looking lost and overjoyed, she smiled softly and replied.

“Its nothing Simon,” shaking her head and rolling her eyes, “Nothing I cannot handle,” she twitched her lips and sat on her seat, now ready for work.

“Thats lovely sweetness. Now I'm here for you anytime, I got your back, okay?” Simon winked at Ariel sitting right next to her.

“So what are we looking at?” Simon inquired. “Well, last night I was able to stumble upon a hidden file that has to do with all Alessandro tech company in Russia.” she paused and cleared her throat be for continuing.

“I was unable to access it because it was highly encrypted and I needed rest. but I intend to decrypt it before Mr. Alessandro gets back from work.”

“Really!!! Hahaha— haha” Simon laughed hard, with his hand on his tummy. “Mr. Alessandro, right? Why not my husband?”

His question only left Ariel speechless as she glanced on the screen searching for the right words to reply to Simon.

“Well, I'm still processing it all. I just got married yesterday, what do you think?” raising an eyebrow she looked at Simon.

“Yeah, I understand. But do you even like him?” Simon expression darkened, a little more serious.

“I don't know him, and we don't have a relationship. I__ I guess I don't know, I never thought I would be married at my age, talk more of being traded to someone now so cold.”

Ariel's emotion had leaked and a tear dropped from her eyes. Immediately wiping her eyes she chuckled slightly.

===

After five hours of trying to decrypt the code and unlock the file, Simon stepped out to get himself and his partner something to eat.

Coming back, he handed Ariel her chips and chicken with the spicy sauce the chef had made.

“Thank you Simon, I'm so in need of this.” She washed her hands and started eating, while still observing her screens.

“Hey slow down. You don't rush your food Ariel, it's not healthy.” Ariel paused for a moment, took a deep breath and said; “Thank you,” while smiling warmly at Simon.

“What is going on here? Work or fun time?” Alessandro's voice cut through their comfort. “Simon, I thought I told you only work conversation’s?” Alessandro growled, getting close to the two.

“I__we are at…” Alessandro snapped his fingers making Simon go quiet.

“So what have you got? Don't tell me you have wasted the last five to six hours doing nothing.” His low, firm commanding tone made Ariel numb at first but then she realised she had decrypted the codes.

“You did it Ariel,” Simon complimented. Ariel hurriedly opened the document and the three read through it carefully.

“There you have it. Get your things in order Simon, you are going to Russia first thing at dawn.” A cunning smile played on Alessandro's lips.

‘A good reason to send Simon off’ he thought and chuckled even more.