Game of Love - 8. Chapter 8: Giada gets a piece of Eric's sting.

‘That boy you had hurt, the boy you had used and dumped like a whore. That boy died five years ago.’

Sergio was walking slowly inside his house with his mind elsewhere, reliving the torturous experience he’d just had with Eric. He had expected things to be bad but it had hurt more than he’d anticipated. Eric’s words had stabbed him right in the heart.

Sergio was looking like a man who had just escaped death. His eyes were red and he still had tears in them. After Eric had left, he’d remained in that room just standing there for a long time. It could have been hours or even minutes but all he knew was that it was long.

He hadn’t even done a single thing he’d gone to do there and there were a lot of calls that he’d missed from Steve, the person he’d gone to meet there. They were supposed to organize a meeting with the owner of Lifestyle magazine company but now he couldn’t even hold the meeting.

“Sergio!” Adrianna came rushing to him when she saw him. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

Sergio nodded slowly. “Yes, Adrianna, I…”

“Don’t lie to me,” Adrianna warned, holding his arm. “You don’t look so good. You look like you’re about to cry. What’s up with that?”

Sergio sighed. “I had an encounter with Eric today, Adrianna. Just a few hours ago. And it looks like I had hurt him beyond how I had imagined it. You should have seen, Adrianna, he was so pissed. He… he wouldn’t even let me touch him.”

“Hey, calm down, Sergio.” Adrianna rubbed on his back. “Please, don’t break down. I told you that this wasn’t going to be easy from the beginning. Of course, he wasn’t going to welcome you with open arms, was he? What you had done to him was terrible.”

Sergio sniveled. “I know, Adrianna. But with what I heard from him today, I have lost all hope of him ever forgiving me. He said that Eric from five years ago is dead. He’s never coming back. Maybe, I just have to accept that this is all over and move on with life.”

“Are you crazy?” She hit him a bit hard on the chest, making him wince a bit. “Do you love this boy?”

“Yes!”

“Then why do you wanna give up on him so easily?” Adrianna asked with a frown. “What I know if you love someone, no matter how much they try to push you away, you’ll never give up. Trust me, Eric will soon realize how much you’re sorry and he’ll forgive you.”

“But…”

“What are the two of you talking about?” A voice came from behind them.

Sergio quickly rubbed his tears and turned to find his mother staring at the two of them with a suspicious look. She had her arms folded and she started walking closer to them. Adrianna chuckled nervously, holding her brother’s hand tightly.

“Nothing, mom!” She lied. “It’s just the same old talk.”

“Really?” Kin raised an eyebrow. “I heard something about love and…”

“Yeah, well, he was talking about Trev and his wedding gift and so I was just giving him a few suggestions.”

“Oh!” Kim smiled. “That’s wonderful. And it’s nice that I have found you two here. Why don’t you two go and get dressed quickly? You will find me outside waiting for you.”

“What?” Adrianna gasped. “Why? Where are we going?”

“We’re meeting up with Giada and Eric.” She said with a smile. “They’ve set up a meeting with the wedding designer so we need to be there.”

Sergio felt like someone had just dropped a stone on his head.

“But mom, I am not feeling well. That’s why I came back early today. Do you think you can…”

“No, Sergio.” Kim shook her head. “This is your wedding we’re talking about. You were supposed to meet with the designer yesterday with Trevor but you didn’t. There’s no way you’re escaping this one today. If you have a headache, then take a pain killer. The meeting won’t take too long.”

Sergio groaned angrily, clenching his fists. His mother was sometimes really impossible and he hated it when she forced him to do things that he didn’t wanna do.

“But mom, Sergio just said he isn’t feeling too well.” Adrianna had to come to the rescue of her brother. “I mean, is this meeting more important than his life. I am sure that…”

“Adrianna, please, shut the hell up!” Kim snapped. “I didn’t ask for your opinion on this one. Why won’t you support him when all of us know how much you hate Trevor? Please, shut up,”

Adrianna chuckled bitterly. “You know, sometimes I wonder which of us is your kids, mom because whenever it comes to Trevor, you don’t show any concern for me. Why am I bothering even coming to this meeting when all of us know that I am not even needed?”

“Well, you’re a member of this family, and…”

“But I don’t wanna go there.” Adrianna’s voice rose. “It’s not like my presence there will even matter and…”

“Adrianna, that’s enough!” Sergio sighed, feeling a little angry. “Arguing like this won’t take us anyway. Let’s just go and get changed and then get over with this.”

Kim smiled, walking to her son. “I am so sorry, sweetie.” She caressed his cheek. “I know that you’re pretty tired after work but I promise, it won’t take long. Do this for me.”

Sergio nodded, smiled sheepishly, and started heading upstairs together with Adrianna. They were both not happy with what had just happened but Sergio couldn’t show it because he didn’t want to disappoint his mother.

***

Giada and her son were seated at a big table together with Sergio and his family. They were all happy, laughing and talking like a big happy family. They were all dressed to kill, enjoying snacks with apple juice. But although everyone seemed happy, Sergio was quiet because he was still thinking about Eric and his encounter that morning.

Trevor had his arm coiled with him, leaning on his shoulder from time to time which Sergio hated. The woman they were waiting for had not yet arrived and so they decided to talk about just the wedding and life after the wedding.

They were really happy. Giada was still talking when she took a glance towards the entrance and a smile popped up on her face. Her heart started racing and she felt excited. She quickly got up, waved her hand, and smiled even brighter when the person she was looking at saw her and waved back.

He started coming towards her and when he was closer enough, Giada rushed to him and pecked him, coiling his hand with his.

“What a surprise, David.” She giggled. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here but now I am glad I am.”

“Well, thanks, Giada but I didn’t expect to see you here too.”

“What can we say when fate keeps making our paths cross? We can’t fight with destiny, you know.” She laughed, leading him towards the table where everyone was seating.

He greeted everyone and they were all so happy to see him.

“Why don’t you join us, David?” Giada asked.

“Oh no,” David shook his head. “I wouldn’t wanna…”

“Not at all, Mr. Smith!” Kim said happily. “We wouldn’t mind having a man of your charisma with us. You’re welcome.”

“Kim is right.” Giada nodded, chuckling nervously. “We are here to meet with the wedding designer and we could use the opinion of the fashion god himself. And besides, Mr. Smith, you and I still have some unfinished business, remember?”

“I know, Mrs. Sandoval, but I wouldn’t wanna impose and besides, I am here meeting someone very important for a meal.”

“That’s not a problem.” Giada nodded, gesturing to a chair. “She can join us too.”

David shrugged, taking a sigh. “If you insist.”

He sat on the chairs closer to Giada and she was acting just like a bitch, touching him and acting like he was her boyfriend or something. She even ordered something for him. That was her moment to show him that she cared for him, his company, and his wellbeing.

“Well, I just wanted to say that that was some fashion show I witnessed the other night, Mr. Smith,” Kim commented. “I never had a chance to appreciate you for your invitation.”

“It’s nothing, Mrs. Alvarado. Having a powerful businesswoman like you at my party the other night was an honor.” He chuckled, glancing at the couple that sat there smiling. “And I never got the chance to congratulate the two of you on your engagement.”

“Thank you so much, sir.” Trevor chuckled, clinging to his boyfriend’s arm like a magnet. “It is an honor having you here with us and of course, it would be a great honor if you could attend our wedding.”

“Not a problem.” He gestured. “I’ll be there.”

Giada chuckled nervously. “Aren’t they adorable? Anyway, Mr. Smith, I was thinking that maybe we could talk about my proposal and…”

“Excuse me!” David said as he quickly got up from his chair and started waving towards the entrance with a smile.

Giada chuckled happily, looking towards the direction Mr. Smith was waving, and when she saw him, the smile on her face faded. Her heart pounded and she felt like she was gonna throw up. She was looking like she was frozen and deep down, she could feel the anger rising inside of her.

Sergio on the other hand felt his heart sink into his stomach and he gulped, feeling himself get tense. He got so nervous that adrenaline started preying on his very being. Eric, sweet gorgeous Eric was coming towards their table, and God, he looked so damn sexy. He still had the same hair he’d seen him with that morning but he’d changed his clothes.

He was now wearing a beautiful black tight designer’s shirt that was halfway buttoned up and tucked in a black tight skinny jeans that showed off his curves. Shit, Sergio couldn’t keep his lecherous eyes off of him, not even for a second. But he still didn’t forget their first encounter after five years.

Trev on the other hand felt a surge of jealousy when he saw the way Sergio was staring at him. He clenched his fists, feeling like a vessel of anger. Fuck, what he could do to just kill the idiot. He was sure that he’d come there to just seduce his boyfriend but he wasn’t gonna allow that.

Eric on the other hand was shocked and angry but he decided to play it cool. He went to Mr. Smith and hugged him tightly before the both of them just held each other lovingly. Sergio felt jealous and he dropped his eyes to the table, acting like he was stirring his juice.

“Oh, David, you didn’t tell we were gonna be having guests,” Eric asked, trying his best to avoid looking at Sergio.

“So sorry, my darling. They’re the ones that invited me.” He said. “They said they wouldn’t mind having us here. Please, take a seat.”

Eric glanced at everyone at the table and gracefully took his seat there. He felt so surrounded by evil and he was having a really hard time keeping himself under control.

“Wow! Eric, right?” Adrianna said happily, extending her hand. “My name is Adrianna Alvarado, Sergio Alvarado’s sister and I must say that I am a fan. You’ve become like my idol and the other night…” She moaned, shaking her head. “…that was a bomb.”

Eric powerfully shook Adrianna’s hand. At least, there was someone he liked upon meeting. “Thank you so much, Adrianna. I am humbled.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” She took her hand away. “I am crazy about trends in fashion and I am also crazy about those designs. It would be an honor to wear revamp. I was also thinking about purchasing some from your collection.”

“Is that so?” Eric chuckled happily. “Well then, since you love it so much, I will send a catalog to you and you can choose whatever you want from there. It’s all on me.”

Adrianna gasped, touching her chest. “For real? I love you already, like really and my…” He glanced at his shoes. “…I love your shoes. Everything about you is super sexy.”

Eric glanced at his snickers. He was wearing beautiful blue and white snickers that looked like they cost a fortune. “They’re private D&E summer collection. I designed them.”

“Wow! Where have you been all my life?”

The both of them laughed. It was like the only people that were talking were just the two of them. Trevor rolled his eyes and just held on tighter to his fiancé who was just hoping for the ground to open up and swallow him.

David cleared his throat, holding Eric’s hand sweetly. “Anyway, now that you’re here, Eric, err… Mrs. Sandoval is the woman I was telling you about that wanted to partner with us. We were supposed to see her the night of the event but she left early.”

Eric looked at Giada and gave a smile, a mocking smile. Giada felt her heart racing and she gripped her chair harder. Fuck, she just wanted to snap his neck and end his life for good.

“Oh, so this is the woman.” He nodded, still wearing that mocking smile. “Well, nice to meet you, Mrs. Sandoval. And I must say that I have heard a lot about you and your company and…”

“David, if you don’t mind, I would love to talk to you about this without the involvement of your worker here,” Giada said harshly, giving angry eyes to Eric. “You’re the boss and definitely, you don’t need your worker here to be…”

“I am sorry, Mrs. Sandoval, but Eric is not my worker.” David corrected. “Eric is my business partner and the brains behind D&E and also Liberty shoes. Without him, there wouldn’t even be these two companies.”

Giada glanced at Eric in disgust, trying to contain her anger.

“It’s okay, David. She’s not the first one to assume that. Some people still can’t face the fact that a young man, at the age of 21 co-owns one of the best fashion companies in the world.” He chuckled, taking a sip of his juice. “But anyway, there’s no problem if Mrs. Sandoval wants to partner with us. I have no problem with it. She’s welcome.”

Giada couldn’t believe what she had just heard. She felt her heart race in excitement and her jaw almost dropped, staring at Eric as he’d just grown another head. Eric was staring back at her, still wearing a smile. That had gone better than she had expected. Finally….

“Well, then Mr. Smith, it’s settled.” She laughed, extended her hand to greet him. “We’re now business partners and…”

“Just a minute, Mrs. Sandoval.” Eric hollered, losing the smile on his face. He had everyone’s attention at that time, even Sergio was staring at him without even blinking. “I only said you’re welcome to partner with us but I didn’t finish.”

“What?” Giada gasped. “What’s there to talk about if…”

“A lot, Mrs. Sandoval.” He rested his chin on his fist. “We’re willing to partner with you but it all depends on how much you’re offering.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s simple.” He chuckled. “We’ll partner with you if you’re willing to sell some shares at your company.”

Giada’s eyes widened. “Are you crazy?” She was mad. “Why in the world would I do that? Why would I let you in my company?”

Eric gasped, shaking his head. “And how else were you expecting to partner with us, Mrs. Sandoval? Don’t tell you were thinking of buying shares at our company because that’s impossible. Our company is privately owned and we want to keep it like that or maybe you…” He chuckled sarcastically. “…you were thinking you were just gonna talk and then boom, we are partners.”

Giada’s breaths started getting harsh.

“We don’t run a charity organization where anyone can just join, Mrs. Giada Sandoval.” He said without any fear, surprising everyone at the table. “We’re a private business entity and the only way you’re gonna partner with us is by selling us shares in your company. We have a reputation to uphold here and we can’t just accept offers from anyone.”

“How dare you!” Giada snapped. She wanted to rise from her chair but Kim held her hand. “David, are you just gonna sit there and watch this brat insult me. Is this how you allow your employees to disrespect…”

“I am sorry, Mrs. Sandoval if I sounded rude but I am just telling you the truth.” He shrugged. “That’s the only way…”

“Never!” Giada seethed, hitting her hands on the table. “I will never allow you into my company, never! Do you get that?”

“Then we have no deal.” He said with his arms folded. “But let me remind you, that we do not need you. You’re the one that needs us. I don’t need to explain because you understand me very well.”

Giada was beyond pissed. She looked at David and just went crazier. “Are you gonna allow this little boy to just insult me and make decisions for you? Don’t forget that we were friends and our parents were friends and business partners long ago.”

“That’s history, Mrs. Sandoval,” Eric answered as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Times are changing and if you’re ready to accept the terms that I have given you then… we can talk business.”

He rose from the chair with a smile. “Excuse me, I have to go to the restroom.”

He glanced at Sergio and when their eyes met, he felt a shiver go down his spine. He turned and started walking out of there, showing his bubble butt to everyone. Sergio’s heart jolted in excitement. Damn, he couldn’t keep his eyes off Eric as he left. Damn, five years looked good on Eric.

But unfortunately, Trevor saw that and he wasn’t gonna let it. He took his hand fan from the table, kissed Sergio’s cheek, and got up.

“I also need to go to the restroom.”

He followed Eric and he wasn’t gonna let it go.

“David?” Giada seethed.

“I am so sorry, Giada, but my hands are tied.” He shrugged. “Eric can sometimes turn out rude but he isn’t. He is just a tough and gutsy businessman. You just have to listen to him. I can’t help you on this.”

Giada groaned, throwing her napkin hard on the table. She was acting like she wanted to cry and Adrianna was loving every single bit of it. She was holding a laugh in and she had no idea how long she was gonna hide it.

***

Eric finished washing his hands and he took out his handkerchief and started wiping his hands while staring in the huge mirror. He didn’t have that gorgeous smile on his face. He was pissed. He couldn’t believe Giada had the nerves to try and act smart with him. He didn’t tolerate nonsense anymore.

While staring in the mirror, he heard the door to the restroom open and it wasn’t long before Trevor’s reflection appeared in the mirror beside him and he had a big mocking smile on his face. Eric didn’t mind him. He rather just continued what he was doing.

Trevor chuckled mockingly, licking his lips.

“God, I am so hot.” He said, checking himself in the mirror. “It’s no wonder Sergio can’t keep his hands off me. He always wants me around. He can’t have enough of me.”

But all Eric did was ignore him. He knew the man was out for trouble and he wasn’t gonna give it to him, yet.

“But who wouldn’t want a piece of me?” He giggled, turning to show off his butt. “I am just too sexy. I mean, too sexy that I even seduce myself. And I must say that my fiancé has been taking care of me. I can’t wait to be his forever.”

Eric sighed and then started heading for the door when all of a sudden, he was pulled back and held painfully. But he released his hand slowly, staring at the man whose eyes burned with total hatred. He didn’t care because he didn’t like him too.

“And where do you think you’re going, bitch?” Trevor snarled. “Don’t act like you didn’t hear what I was saying. I know exactly what you’re trying to do. And all that shit about being surprised when you found us, I don’t buy it. You might be able to fool everyone there but I can see past that lying bitchy face of yours. You’re obviously to seduce my fiancé but know this…” He warned, raising his finger at Eric. “…you’ll never get close to him again because he is mine and he’ll remain in this life and all the other lives.”

Eric chuckled, clapping in mock. “Wow! That was a wonderful speech, Trevor. Beautiful but you see, you’re telling the wrong person because I am not interested in your boyfriend. Oops!” He gasped in mock astonishment. “Your fiancé!”

Trevor felt molten anger roll through him and he groaned, stamping his foot on the floor.

“How dare you, Eric!” He snarled. “I am warning you. Stay away from my fiancé because he is in love with me.”

Eric nodded. “Well then if you’re so sure about him loving you why are you here running after me like a dog? I am not gonna steal him away from you. If I wanted to do that, I would do it as easy as that.” He snapped his finger right in front of Trevor’s face. “But I am not interested in him. You can keep him… forever!”

He smiled and tried to leave but Trevor pulled him back.

“And where do you think you’re going? I am not done with you.”

“Well, I am done with you.” Eric snapped. “And if you’ll excuse me, I have better things than to talk to silly and useless people.”

“How dare you!” Fury tore through Trevor and he rose his hand intending to slap Eric.

But to his surprise, Eric caught his hand and threw it angrily. The impact took Trevor two steps behind and he held his hand, staring at Eric as he had just grown another head. Oh God, he hated him so much. He just wanted to murder him.

“I am warning you, Eric!” He seethed. “I don’t care who fucked you to get to the position you are and I don’t even care who is still fucking you. But stay away from Sergio because I won’t be this nice the next time I see you anywhere near him.”

“That’s what makes us different. I am talented, beautiful, smart, and hard-working. I don’t need to go on my knees to suck dick to be successful. What’s up here…” He gestured to his head. “…is enough to bring me all kinds of successes that I want. And I have no problem staying away from Sergio.” He raised his eyebrow. “But the question is, can he stay away from me?”

Trevor felt something move in him and he clenched his fists.

“Sergio wouldn’t even think of coming to you when he has me. I am all that he ever needs, the man that he’s been in love with for over eight years” Trevor chuckled although he was mad. “Not to think of approaching you, he wouldn’t even look at you. Why would he do that when he has all…” He winked, moaning like a bitch. “….this!”

Eric laughed, getting closer. “Well, it didn’t seem like that when he was down on his knees this morning begging me to forgive him.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “He also didn’t seem to mind when he was holding my hand. Guess you need to find a tighter leash because the one you’re holding him with is about to snap.”

Trevor froze, staring at Eric with wide eyes.

‘Sir Sergio didn’t come to the office today.’ The assistant’s voice rang through his head. ‘He even didn’t attend any meetings this morning too. I don’t know what’s been wrong with him these past two days. He seems off.’

Trevor felt a nameless dread engulf him and he instantly started sweating. His fear had started coming true. Shit! His breaths quickened and he went limp. He wanted to say something to Eric but he couldn’t find his voice.

“Oh my God, Trevor!” Eric gasped in mock astonishment, putting his hand on Trevor’s forehead. Trevor moved away. “You don’t look so good. I think you should go and see a doctor. You might be heading to your death.”

Trevor groaned and started leaving angrily.

“And one more thing…” He stopped but didn’t turn. This time it was Eric who went in front of him and he wasn’t smiling anymore. “…be careful with me, Trevor. You don’t know me anymore. Know your lane and always look on both sides of your shoulder. A speeding car can come from anywhere. Goodbye…” He looked at him in disgust. “….big brother!”

He turned and left Trevor standing there like a statue. As soon as he left, Trevor angrily groaned, breathing like he was in labor.

“Damn that Eric!” He screamed. “I’ll get you for this, I swear. I’ll get you.”

*

Eric took a seat at the table where Giada was staring at him with such dread and evil. He was sure the woman had evil plans up her sleeve but he didn’t care. He was ruining her meeting and he loved it a lot.

“You took long,” David asked. “Is everything okay?”

“Sure! Just ran into a little pest problem.” He glanced at Sergio who was just staring back at him like a statue. “But it was nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“Oh!” David smiled. “Well, we thank God for that.”

At that same time, Trevor arrived and he was smiling like he’d won a lottery. He was busy fanning himself with a hand fan. While sitting, he furiously hit Eric hard on the shoulder and it hurt like hell. Eric lost the smile on his face, raising his head to stare into Trevor’s eyes. When their eyes met, Trevor had an evil grin on his face. Everyone saw that.

“Oops, I am so sorry.” Trevor gasped in mock, taking a seat beside his boyfriend. “That was an accident.”

He leaned closer to his fiancé, kissing his cheek lovingly. He held onto his arm and leaned there while staring at Eric, giving him a signal to stay away from his fiancé or he was gonna get hurt.

Eric let out a harsh breath, staring at Giada. The woman seemed satisfied with what her son had done. But Eric only smiled, almost too confidently. Then he looked at Trevor who was being cozy with Sergio who still looked like a statue. Then he did something unimaginable. He knocked off a glass full of juice from the table and it fell on Trevor and spilled all over his clothes.

Trevor wasn’t expecting it and he was caught by surprise. His eyes widened to the point where they almost popped out of his socket. His jaw dropped and he moved his hands away from Sergio and just looked at himself. His entire white outfit was now purple from the grape juice that had poured on him. He felt like he’d peed himself.

He quickly rose his head to stare at Eric and what he found was a mocking smile on Eric’s face and he didn’t even seem apologetic at all. That was on purpose….

“W-what?” He gasped, his jaw shaking uncontrollably. “What…”

“Oops, that was an accident too,” Eric said, holding his chest. “I am so sorry.”

Kim was surprised by the behavior of Eric. He was now sure that there was something between them because the way they’d been staring at each other was just a bit weird. But she couldn’t say anything. She just sat there watching the entire thing.

Sergio was beyond surprised and Adrianna was excited. She couldn’t hold her laugh anymore. She burst into laughter, trying to cover her mouth. Kim looked at her and wondered what was so funny that she could laugh like that.

“Well, I am sorry for that but I guess I have to leave.” Eric apologized, getting up from the chair. “I need to be somewhere really important.” He looked at both Sergio and Trevor. “Congratulations on your engagement and your upcoming wedding.”

“Wait, here is my card and it contains everything,” Adrianna said, handing him the card.

“Alright, Adrianna. It was nice to meet you. I’ll call.”

With those words, Eric took off, leaving everyone in shock.

“I am truly sorry for that.” David apologized. “I have to leave too and thanks for your hospitality.”

He also went away.

“What?” Trevor got up, looking at himself. “Oh my God, that idiot ruined my outfit. Mom, that idiot ruined everything.” He snapped.

The people in the restaurant were staring at him and some were laughing while pointing at him. And to Trevor’s surprise, Sergio just sat there without showing any concern. He was just staring at him like he didn’t know. That was the final blow.

“That idiot ruined everything.” He furiously picked up his phone and car keys and stormed out of there, cursing as he left.

“I am truly sorry, Kim.” Giada apologized, trying her best to smile. “We have to leave. I will call you later. I am sorry for this.”

Kim nodded. “Yes, we’ll also be leaving.”

Giada took her gorgeous handbag and left. She was so mad. He’d managed to ruin her perfect.

The Alvarados remained seated quietly. None said a word to the other. But Adrianna was wearing a smile while taking her juice. That had been entertaining. Meanwhile, Sergio didn’t even know what was going on. He was so damn confused and his heart was racing. All that time Eric had been so close to him, all he had wanted to do was grab him and kiss him.

***

“That sly bitch!” Trevor screamed as he entered the house. He’d never been so mad at anyone before. “He’s gonna pay for this, I swear. He’ll pay for this humiliation and for even setting an eye on my Sergio. He’ll pay for everything.”

Giada entered the house and man was she mad. What Eric had told her at the restaurant had gotten through her system and she felt like something inside of her was clenching. Rage flowed through her like lava.

“I have never been so humiliated my entire life like today.” She seethed. “And by… by some little brat. He humiliated me right in front of Kimberly and a whole lot of people.” She was acting like she was dreaming. “How dare he insult me like that!”

“He ruined everything!” Trevor screamed. “Everything that I had been planning. We were supposed to be happy today but no, he came and ruined everything and I’ll make him pay for every word he used, every humiliation, and every insult. He’s gonna wish he hadn’t crossed my path. I’ll make him cry, I swear, mommy. I’ll hit him where it hurts the most.”

“Well, what I can tell you is that this battle has just gone to another level.” Giada felt a flash of irritation. “I’ll destroy that boy that he’s gonna wish he didn’t come back here. He might think he won something today but that is a chance he’s never gonna get again.”

Trevor groaned, throwing a cushion to the floor. “Well, mommy, whatever happens now, I need to keep that bitch away from my Sergio because he’s smarter than we thought. We have to very careful with every move that we make now because that Eric has proven to be dangerous. He’s after Sergio and to get back at us, that’s for sure.

Eric knows that Sergio is my life and I love him so much. He’s gonna do all he can to seduce my man. That’s why I have to get married to Sergio at all costs. I don’t care if I have to go to hell to marry him. My plans will still push through and anybody who tries to separate us is gonna pay with his life. That’s my promise to you, mommy.

And I will make sure that whatever humiliation you went through today, I’ll get back at him. I swear.”

Giada held her son’s hand, kissing it. “That’s my baby.”

“I learned from the best.” He chuckled. “We’re the Sandovals and we don’t give up on anything that is supposed to be ours no matter how challenging things might be.”

“You’re right and you just gave me an idea right now.”

“What?” He asked.

Giada just gave an evil grin. This was gonna be fun.

***

“Oh my God, I am so tired.” Adrianna threw herself on the couch. “I have never been so tired my entire life.”

Kim and Sergio sat there too but none of them spoke a word. A maid brought them glasses of cold water and it was able to make them feel cool, at least. At that time, Adrianna’s phone beeped and she quickly checked who it was before a smile popped up on her face.

“Wow! This guy is good. True to his word.” She laughed. “He’s just sent me a catalog of his latest collection.” She sat properly and began checking, gasping at everything she saw. “Oh my God, I love everything. What should I do? I just need like three or four pairs. Mom…”

“That’s from, what’s his name again?” She asked.

“His name is Eric, mom,” Adrianna said without even looking at her. “Don’t you think he’s good? Look at that?” She showed her screen to her mother.

“Good, yes!” Kim nodded. “But I didn’t appreciate what he did today. How could such a boy be that disrespectful? He insulted Giada and ruined our entire meeting.”

“What?” Adrianna gasped, shaking her head. “What are you talking about, mommy? I don’t think there was anything disrespectful about what he did at the restaurant. How else is Aunt Giada supposed to partner with them? Definitely, she’s not gonna talk her way into that company. And besides, I think Eric was right. She should sell some shares to them if she wants a partnership.

And if you’re talking about what had happened to Trevor, he deserved it because he started it.”

Kim shook her head angrily, rising from the couch. “You’re impossible, Adrianna. I don’t know why you always find pleasure in seeing others suffer.”

“Not others,” She corrected. “Just a few and Trev is number one on my list.”

“You know what…” Kim chuckled bitterly. “You need to grow up because you’re no longer a kid.”

She shook her head and left for upstairs. As soon as she left, Adrianna quickly moved to her brother who was seated there, deeply lost in his thoughts.

“Hey!” She prodded him, getting him back to the real world. “Now I know why you’re so afraid of approaching Eric. Man, he’s really rude and he doesn’t care who’s around. I like him already.”

Sergio sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

“I knew Eric was really tough. They called him iron boy back in school but this new version of him is scaring me.”

“You should be.” She teased. “But come to think of it, Eric is the hottest boy I have ever set my eyes on, no offense. He’s classy, really sexy, and sophisticated unlike that excuse of a fiancé you’re about to marry. You two would look good together.”

Sergio was confused. “Adrianna, my marriage to Trevor is in three weeks. Right now I am not even thinking of getting back together with Eric.” He knew he was lying and he felt his heart react. “What I want is just his forgiveness for the sake of peace. I have been guilty of the last five years and what I want is just closure for the both of us. What happens next, only fate will predict.”

“And fate will want the two of you to be together. You got rejected once, no big deal. Why don’t you approach him again?”

“I am trying but it’s really difficult and…”

“Not to me, it’s not.” She showed him what was on her screen. “I have already resolved that for you. All you need to do is master some courage and approach him. No matter what he’ll say, do not leave. Come on, you know what I am talking about, right?”

Sergio nodded without even smiling. He was scared and really confused. After what he’d seen at the restaurant, he was now even more scared to approach Eric.

‘Adrianna, I know you’re just trying to help but I can’t even begin to tell you how much I am scared.’ He thought while staring at the wall with the picture of a smiling Eric at the back of his mind. ‘I am scared that Eric might never love me again. That will surely break my already broken heart. But even if he doesn’t love me, at least, I will be able to live knowing that he has forgiven.’

He closed his eyes and suppressed his tears. His heart was in pain and whatever he’d done to Eric in the past was haunting him.

***

Giada was seated in her wonderful comfy chair which felt like she was sitting on needles at that moment. She was dressed sexily in a black designer’s pantsuit with a white shirt inside and her cleavage exposed for all the men in this world to see. Her hair was made in curls and her makeup was on point.

Giada’s heart was racing, her body going way beyond boiling. She was really mad and she was staring at the document that she was holding, trying to hold herself from tearing that stupid thing she was looking at. She raised her face and stared at the board members there and she wasn’t happy at all.

“What the hell am I looking at?” Giada snapped, throwing the document hard on the table. “What the fuck is this?”

“Ma’am, it’s the financial report for…”

“I know exactly what it is, you dumb idiot!” She yelled at the woman who was seated next to her, the secretary. “What I want to know is what it means?”

“Ma’am, that is our current sales since the launch of the new collection.” A black man spoke without fear in her voice. “Our sales have dropped drastically and we still have a lot in stock.”

“What?” Giada felt a shiver go down her spine. “What are you telling me? These can’t be the figures of our sales.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Another, a lady this time spoke. “We’ve never experienced such a thing before. All the products of Sandoval fashion house have done great on the market and no one has ever had the guts to compete with us.”

Giada’s mouth shook in fear. “There has to be a mix up somewhere. These figures are the worst I have ever seen. I never got these figures even when I was starting this company over 20 years ago. Something is wrong.”

“Do you need to ask?” The product manager said with a stern face. “Of course, that’s no secret, something is wrong here. We were doing alright in the market but ever since the launch of the ‘revamp’ collection a few days ago, it was like our sales got paralyzed. We haven’t sold a single thing since then.”

Giada’s hands went cold and clammy. She trembled inside and panic surged through her. Her eyes widened and her heart began racing in anger. The color drained from her face.

“Revamp?” Raw panic was in her voice. “You mean the new collection from Liberty shoes Powers Company? But that company has been operating for over four years and it has never affected any of our sales.”

“You’re right about that, ma’am.” The managing director said. “But that was before they decided to launch their new collection in this country a few days ago. Although that company has been operating for quite some time, they’ve never launched any collection in this country. But now that they have, they’re slowly paralyzing us.”

Giada felt a cold mist overcrowd her.

“But what about our business partners and other companies that wanted contracts?”

“When we launched our new clothes and shoe line, we had quite several offers from a lot of companies but since the launch of revamp, it’s like they’ve all just disappeared. Even some of the companies we have contracts with have started pulling it.”

Giada shook her head. “No! This can’t be happening. This is Sandoval fashion house, one of the biggest fashion companies in the country.”

“There’s no denying that.” The black guy spoke. “But right now, Liberty shoes and D&E are our biggest competition. We need to find ways of avoiding what’s coming, Mrs. Sandoval.”

Giada hit her hands on the table. She was blank as hell and she couldn’t think properly.

“You all know how much we had put in this new collection.” She said, staring at all of them. “We had put in a lot of money and we also got loans. If we continue like this then I don’t need to remind you what’s going to happen. We need to work harder than we are right now.”

“Ma’am, we’re trying our best. Our employees are already out there working their butts out but nothing is working out.” One of them spoke. “We’ve also taken a risk of reducing the prices by 50% but everyone prefers Revamp to our collection.”

“Then make something greater, anything.” Giada was panicking. “Tell our designers to come up with the most gorgeous designs that will beat Revamp.”

The managing director signed. “I am sorry, Mrs. Sandoval, but I am afraid that’s not gonna help. Unless we find someone like Eric Hernandez then we have a chance but I don’t think…”

“I don’t wanna hear that name!” Giada snapped, furiously getting up from her chair. “I am the president of this company and what I say goes.”

“We understand that.” The financial manager spoke. “But this isn’t about that, Mrs. Sandoval. We had put in a lot of funds in our new collection because we had a lot of faith in it. Even if we were to find designers that would create something to beat revamp, we are still gonna need funds.

As it is, we are yet to recover the money we had invested in our new collection. If we attempt anything like that, we’re gonna go bankrupt. We are at a loss here, Mrs. Sandoval. And maybe the solution here is to schedule a meeting with D&E, strike a deal, and then…”

“Excuse me!” Giada laughed bitterly, shaking her head. “Are you telling me how to run my business now? Who are you?”

“It was just a suggestion, ma’am.” The man apologized. “And I know you’re the president of this fashion house but as it is, we’re losing more than we’re gaining, and…”

“Get out!” Giada had lost her temper. “Get the fuck out, all of you. I don’t wanna see you.”

The board members all got out of their seats and left Giada all alone there. As soon as she heard the door closing, a tear went down her cheek and she threw everything that was on the table to the floor angrily.

‘As it is, we are yet to recover the money we had invested in our new collection. If we attempt anything like that, we’re gonna go bankrupt. We are at a loss here.’

“No!” Giada screamed, ripping the document. “This can’t be happening. No! I am the queen of this city and nothing is gonna change that. No!”

Giada felt like someone had just poured liquid electricity on her with the sensations that she felt in her body.

“No! I will not let you ruin me, Eric.” She screamed. “I won’t allow you and I swear to you that, I won’t give up without a fight. I will send you to hell before I allow you to run me. I swear.”

Giada wasn’t going to give up. She was gonna continue fighting. No one was gonna take up her spot in the city. She was the fashion queen and it was gonna stay that way. It was either that or she was gonna have to shed blood to keep it that way.

***

“Sir, here is what you asked.” The beautiful sexy woman dressed in a black suit with her black hair tied in a ponytail said. She was wearing a smile.

“Is it all in there?” Eric asked, seated on the office chair like a boss. “I want details, Reina.”

“Of course, sir!” The assistant nodded. “I would do anything for you.”

He took the envelope and then dismissed his assistant. When he opened it and read what was there, an evil grin appeared on his face and his smile was almost wickedly evil. He was chuckling to himself, staring at the document in his hand without even blinking, Sandoval fashion house’s financial report.

“Wow, Giada.” He laughed manically. “Wow, this is impressive. I have never been so happy for you. I have only been here for a few days and there’s already a terrible earthquake at your company. And I haven’t even done anything. All I did was just release a collection and your world started spinning.”

He laughed, holding the document at its edges. Then he ripped it in half.

“What will happen when I strike, Giada? Won’t it just be your death?” He laughed, putting his legs on the table. “You like intimidating other people, don’t you? Now let’s see what happens you’re the one on the receiving end. I haven’t started yet. I’ll take everything that matters to you and I’ll make you feel exactly how it feels like to lose everything.

Prepare to taste the bitter soup because when I eventually give it to you, you’re gonna regret ever crossing my path or my mother’s. All the pain that you caused me, I’ll return it to you double. I swear.”

He angrily ripped the documents into bits and threw them in the paper bin beside him. Then he just sat there, leaned back, and closed his eyes. Trying to catch his breath. He’d barely taken a breath when all of a sudden, he heard his door open a little bit loudly right before he heard his assistant’s voice.

“Sir, I am sorry.” She apologized. “I tried to stop him but I couldn’t.”

Eric quickly opened his eyes and he almost jumped out of his chair when he saw Sergio standing right in front of his desk, staring deep into his eyes. That look, shit that look, it sent a cold sensation all over his body and he almost groaned painfully. A lot of questions hit his head and he tried to say something but the look from the hunk told him otherwise.

“Sir, I am truly sorry.”

“Eric, I want to talk to you,” Sergio said, a little too confidently. “Please. I am not leaving until you hear what I have to say to you. You can decide what you want to do after.”

Eric removed his legs from the table and got closer to the table, staring into Sergio’s eyes.

“Mr. Alvarado, you have some balls showing up here, huh?” He looked at his assistant. “It’s okay, Reina. You may leave.”

The assistant left and then Sergio took a deep breath.

“Thank you so much, Eric, I…”

“I didn’t tell my assistant to leave so that you can thank me. What the fuck do you want? And how the hell did you know my office?”

“Adrianna gave me this morning.” He said, trying to control himself. “But that’s only because I had forced her and…”

“Enough with your life story!” Eric had never sounded so rude. “How the fuck can I help you? And where’s your fiancé?”

Sergio sighed. “Eric, I don’t know how to start because, because…”

“Because you were wrong?” Eric chimed in, feeling emotional all over again.

Sergio slowly nodded. “Yes! I was very wrong, Eric, and I don’t know how I am even supposed to apologize to you. I was such a fool and I agreed to that bet because I was foolish, selfish, and very stupid. I know that it had started as a game but I swear to you, when I got to know you, the real you, I don’t know how or when I started developing feelings for you but I was truly in love with you. I was very much in love with you. I swear.”

Eric just stared at Sergio, clenching his fists under the table. He had some nerves showing up there causing him nothing but pain. He aggressively gripped the edge of his table, feeling the need to smash something.

“Get out!” He sneered. “Get the fuck out and never come back.”

“Please!” Sergio threw himself on the floor, kneeling before the boy. He had tears in his eyes and the pain he felt was from out of this world. “Hear me out, Eric. I have been looking for you for five years because I wanted to make things right. I know I had hurt you before and I have been paying for that since that very day. Believe me…”

“I said get the fuck out!” Eric furiously rose from his desk and started making his way towards where the man was kneeling. “I don’t wanna hear anything that you are going to say. I had warned the other day.”

“Eric, please…” Sergio put his hands together. “….I beg you.”

“Get out before I call security, Mr. Alvarado.” Eric was trying his best to fight his tears.

“I don’t care,” Sergio muttered. “You can call whoever you want but I won’t leave until you hear me out. You can call the police to beat me up anyhow you like but if that’s what will make you hear me out, I am ready for that. I am ready to…”

“I am done with this.”

Eric was on his way to the door when Sergio gripped his hand and held him tightly.

“Eric, please, I am sorry.” He sobbed in anguish. “I am sorry.”

Eric remained standing there and felt a billion tears making their way down his cheeks. In just a few seconds, he was already wet. It was just too painful remembering everything.

“Please, forgive me.”

Eric closed his eyes and tried to bring himself under control but he couldn’t. Sergio had managed to break him.

“Why?” He said softly. “And for how many mistakes should I forgive you, Sergio? Which one?”

Sergio dropped his eyes and felt a huge lump develop in his throat.

“For how many mistakes do you want me to forgive you?”

“Everything!” He sniveled. “I am sorry for everything.”

Eric furiously withdrew his hand from Sergio’s and quickly turned, staring into his face. He was completely broken.

“Which one?” He snapped. “Is it for lying to me that you were in love with me or for deceiving me, knowing fully well that I was in love with you?”

Sergio tried to take Eric’s hand. “I wanted to tell you but I was unable to. I was in love with you.”

“No!” Eric cried hitting Sergio’s face severally. They were slaps and Sergio felt them. They were painful but he deserved them. Eric gripped Sergio’s shirt by the neck and got him up, hitting him hard. “No, Sergio, don’t you dare say that to me. Don’t.”

He was in so much agony. It was like everything from his past had been poured on him. He was reliving everything.

“You left me bereft, Sergio.” He let go of him and just cried. “I loved you even more than I loved myself. My love, my self-esteem, and my trust were shattered by you five years ago because of what you did to me! I used to hate men because I knew what they all wanted from me and I tried to avoid them until you came, Sergio. I gave you everything, my love, my trust, and my body but you used everything against me.

Your friend was right. I was blind! I was a fool! I kept believing that you were in love with me. I kept believing that you were the one for me and I kept hoping we would eventually end up together!” He cried.

Sergio felt like someone was stabbing his heart with a hot iron. When he looked at Eric, all he saw was the pain that he had inflicted on him five years back. He’d never seen so broken before, not even that night.

“I kept thinking you were my strength.” He wailed, his hands trembling. “But you were my ultimate weakness, Sergio. You said it to me, didn’t you?” He raised his finger pointing at the crying man. “You told me you loved me. I asked you several times but you always gave me the same answer.

I always thought the battle I was fighting against my evil stepmother, I was gonna win someday but you came and made me lose eventually. You used my love against me. Why did you do this to me, Sergio? Why?”

“I didn’t know.” Sergio grieved. “I swear, I didn’t know, Eric. I admit that Trevor was my boyfriend but I never knew you were related, I swear. I only found that night and I never intended to take things that far. But my feelings got the best of me. And when I found out that you were a virgin, I didn’t wanna leave you, I swear. My friend betrayed me and…”

“Stop lying!” Eric snapped, getting away from Sergio. “You made a mockery of me in front of the entire school. You turned me into a zombie. I chose you over many suitors, Sergio.” He gripped his collar and pulled him closer, literally choking the life out of him. “I chose you because you were slowly changing my life. But you were the one that had hurt me the most, Sergio.

Why did you do this to me? Why did you choose someone else that day? I wanted to spend my entire life with you but you destroyed my dreams, Sergio.”

Sergio was filled with guilt and he couldn’t even speak.

“Why, Sergio? Why?”

Eric felt weak and he dropped to his knees and just cried. Sergio stared at him, standing without moving an inch.

“I deserve your hatred right now, Eric because I betrayed you.” He cried. “I have hated myself for five years now, I swear because of what I did. But I never planned any of that. I don’t know how Trevor found out about everything and how my ex-friend planned that party, Eric. You were there. We were together. I wouldn’t have subjected you to such pain if I had known that was what was gonna happen.”

He dropped on his knees and held the crying boy’s hands.

“I followed you after that, Eric, I swear. I ran after you but you were nowhere to be seen. I did all I could to find you but I wasn’t lucky enough.” He said in between sobs. “You’ve got no idea how much I had searched for you. But Riya and Smith couldn’t tell me where you lived. But even after that, I didn’t give up. I continued looking for you but couldn’t find you.

How could I have called you when you left your phone with me?” He took out the phone and showed it to Eric. But Eric couldn’t even look at it because he was in so much pain. “This is all that I had left of you, to remind me of the boy that I loved so much and who loved me too.

This phone is all that I was holding on to, Eric. This phone gave me so much pain and I didn’t lose hope that you would come back to me. But I was so scared, Eric. I was so scared that you would hate me as you do now. I am sorry.”

Eric just cried. He didn’t have the strength to talk anymore.

“Eric…. Punish me in whatever way you want, I will accept. But I am not lying to you. I had arrived at the airport to stop you from leaving because I wanted to tell you that I was in love with you and I wanted to make things right, I wanted to marry you.”

Eric stopped crying and raised his head, staring into Sergio’s red eyes. He didn’t know why but something about those words swept through his heart and gave him some warmth.

“I wanted to… to tell you how much you mean to me.” He said in between sobs. “But you had already left, Eric. I wanted to follow you but I had no idea where you went. I followed you to Canada but you were not there. I searched and searched on all platforms, social media, private investigators but you weren’t anywhere, Eric. I swear, I tried.” He cried.

“I am not trying to make any excuse so that you can forgive me, Eric!” He tried rubbing his tears but was too weak to raise his hand. “I am telling you the truth. It might have been a game but I fell in love and… and I am still in love with you. That love has never faded, I swear to you. Even as I am kneeling here, I still love you.”

Eric sobbed, staring deep into Sergio’s eyes.

“All I need right now is your forgiveness, Eric. I don’t want anything else. I know I had hurt you a lot and I deserve death for that.”

Eric couldn’t say any word to Sergio. He just kept on crying.

“Please,” Sergio kissed his hand and held them closer to his face. “I am begging you, Eric. Forgive me, I beg you. I am ready to take responsibility for my mistake right now if you want. I’ll show you that I am truly sorry.

What Aunt Giada had done, I don’t know how she found out about us. She used me to hurt you and I wasn’t even aware of it. I am sorry. Forgive me, Eric. I am a fool… I am an idiot… I deserve nothing but hatred. I know I don’t deserve your love or forgiveness but please, find it in your heart to forgive me.

I am worthless without you, Eric. I haven’t been the same for the last five years because my conscience’s been eating me up from the inside. I am sorry.”

He just held on to Eric’s hands and cried, muttering for him to forgive him. But Eric wasn’t crying anymore. He just kept on staring at the man who was crying. Eric’s tears were still flowing but his voice couldn’t be heard. There was a lot in his mind and everything that had happened between them couldn’t leave him, especially that night.

“You had hurt me a lot, Sergio!”

“I know and I’ll forever be paying for that mistake.”

“You had hurt and I loved you so much.” He muttered, slightly closing his eyes. “I had gone through emotional torture when I left this country. God knows how many times I tried to end it all and just give up.”

“God, no!”

“I did, Sergio.” He sniveled. “But through all that pain, I found myself, I got stronger and I gained courage. I was able to achieve my dreams because of your pain and betrayal, Sergio. I prayed to the heavens every day not to see your face. But fate… fate has ways of playing tricks on me. Here I am with you again, Sergio.”

“Punish me in any way you want…”

“What you did to me was painful.” His voice rose. “You took my most prized possession, you too my virginity, Sergio. No man has ever gotten that close to me, ever. But you did and the next day, you shattered my heart to pieces. I hated you… I wanted to hurt you and make you feel how it feels like to be heartbroken.”

“You can.” He muttered. “I am ready to accept my punishment.”

“What you did to me was the most terrible thing anyone’s ever done to me,” Eric said harshly. “I prayed for your pain. And what you did doesn’t deserve any forgiveness. I vowed never to forgive you should I see your face again.”

Sergio wept, dropping his eyes to the floor. Tears were flowing like it was in a pipe and hearing those words from Eric, he felt dead, really cold. He cried even more and Eric just watched him.

“I deserve it.” He cried.

Eric sniveled. “Yes, you do!” He nodded, rubbing his tears. “But then again, I have come to realize that… that I can’t hold grudges anymore. And I have also come to realize that maybe you were just a victim like me and whether you loved me or not, I loved you so much.”

Sergio’s heart stopped beating and he raised his face, staring at Eric nonstop. He got really scared with the words that he’d heard from Eric. The tears were flowing but he couldn’t find his voice. It was completely gone. He was shocked.

“What… what are you trying to say? Do you forgive me?”

Eric sobbed, shaking his head. “I can’t live my entire life hating you because it was not your fault. Yes, I forgive you, Sergio. I forgive you from the bottom of my heart. I know you probably don’t deserve this but… I just want to live peacefully. I am tired of this pain, this hatred, and these painful memories. I was told I can only live in peace after I forgive you. So yes, I forgive you.”

Sergio covered his mouth and just cried. His heart raced in fear, surprise, shock, and joy. He could hardly contain his happiness. Instead of smiling, he just cried at the top of his voice like a kid. He could have sworn it was all dream but he was staring into Eric’s eyes, his beautiful blue eyes and God, he felt something move out of him, the burden he’d been carrying for a long time.

“God, I… I….”

Sergio gripped Eric and hugged him tightly. Sunshine flooded his soul and he felt like his feet barely touched the ground. Quiet contentment spread through him and he knew he was supposed to be happy but he couldn’t stop crying.

“Thank you so much, Eric!” He cried. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

He kissed Eric’s head and held him even tighter.

Eric slowly moved his hands and wrapped them around Sergio’s waist, burying his head deeper into that warm, thick, and muscular chest that he kinda missed. He couldn’t believe he’d opened his mouth to forgive Eric so easily. He felt something inside of him move and the pain he felt in his heart didn’t feel that pain anymore.

The question is, did he truly mean what he said or was it all part of his plan?

*

Sergio was seated comfortably on the comfy couch, staring at Eric without even blinking. He was looking more beautiful than he’d remembered. That beautiful dark hair tied in a ponytail, revealing his face. God, those pink lips that he was dying to taste and that body, shit! Sergio just wanted to get closer and ask him to marry him instead, right at that moment. But something had him glued there. He’d dreamt of a moment like that, a moment when Eric would forgive him but it hadn’t felt anywhere as good as it did that time.

It had been 2 hours already since he’d arrived at Eric’s office and now, he was feeling really warm. He was staring at Eric who was drinking some water sexily, almost seducing Sergio who was caught in his daydream about Eric.

Eric put his glass down and he blushed because he could feel Sergio’s eyes on him the entire time.

“What?” He shrugged, glancing at him. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“I still can’t believe this is all real.” He said simply, getting closer to Eric. “I have always dreamt of something like this but now that it has happened, I can’t just explain the feeling. Thank you so much, Eric. You’ve made me so happy today. You’re truly a good person.”

Eric smiled. “Well, we all needed closure and to move on.” He chuckled, taking a deep sigh. “The thing is that this was not easy for me. But after leaving it all behind, I feel at peace now. And maybe that was all I needed to do.”

Sergio sighed and just watched the boy doing his thing. God, how could a man be so beautiful, he thought as he admired the boy sitting in front of him? He didn’t wanna do anything that was gonna seem weird.

“You’re still staring at me, Sergio!” Eric said, this time staring at the man. “What’s wrong with you?”

Sergio shook his head and got closer. Then he raised his hand and started getting it closer to Eric’s face. Eric lost the smile on his face and just stared at Sergio nonstop, wondering what he was doing. Sergio stopped halfway when he saw the look on Eric’s face.

“I am sorry but…” He paused and took a deep breath. “…can I?”

Eric froze. He couldn’t say anything and Sergio got that as a hint. He moved his shaky hand and touched Eric’s cheek, caressing it softly. He chuckled happily, failing to fight his tears. He was really happy and now he was assured that whatever had happened was real.

Eric smiled sheepishly. “By the way, congratulations on your engagement.”

Shit! Everything had been going great until Eric decided to blow it all away. Sergio slowly withdrew his hand and dropped his eyes to the floor. Now that Eric had brought that topic, fear took him by surprise and his heart began racing.

“Well, thank you very much.” He chuckled nervously. “Everything, well, I cannot complain. But thanks.”

Eric nodded.

Sergio figured he still needed to apologize for that engagement too. He felt he needed to explain to Eric how things had happened and why he had gotten engaged to Trevor. He felt he needed to let him know how his life had been in the past five years.

“Well, Eric, about the engagement. I… I just wanted to say that…”

Shit! Sergio almost cursed when his phone started ringing. Bad timing.

“Sorry!” He apologized as he took his phone out. “I have to take this.”

Eric nodded and Sergio took the phone. He didn’t talk for long.

“I am so sorry, Eric.” He apologized. “I hate to leave but something important came up and I have to go.”

“Of course, I don’t mind.” He smiled. “Just drive safely, okay?”

Sergio felt like he was riding on top of a mountain. “I will but…” He paused and sighed. “…I would love to see you again if you don’t mind. Please, don’t deny me of this.”

Eric nodded. “Of course,” He slipped his hand through his pocket and handed a card to Sergio. “That card contains my lines and also my address. You can call me and we can talk.”

Sergio almost jumped out of excitement. He was on cloud 9.

“I will call you.” He said happily. “Expect my call anytime.”

Eric waved his fingers through the air and watched as Sergio walked out of the office like a little kid with a smile on his face. When he got out, he opened the door again and looked at Eric just to ensure he wasn’t dreaming. Then he closed it and left.

As soon as he left, Eric lost the smile on his face and it became stern again. He was staring at the door, seeing the image of Sergio leaving. Man, the hunk had changed and he was undeniably sexy. But Eric had a plan up his sleeve and it was gonna be fun.

What was he up to?

***

“Oh come on, you know it was funnier when I was there.” Adrianna laughed as she came down the stairs in only a tank top and a sexy short with her hair tied backward. “I am sure that you guys miss me a lot and can’t wait for me to return.”

She continued talking on the phone with her friend abroad, laughing. But suddenly, something happened, a voice that she hadn’t heard in a long time and she got shocked.

‘I’ll take you to the candy shop. I’ll let you lick a lollipop, go ahead girl, don’t you stop.’

“I am gonna have to call you back, honey,” Adrianna said, cutting the call.

She rushed to her brother just as he was making his grand entrance, dancing happily and singing. He had his hands up, giving that sexy dance. Adrianna couldn’t help but smile and start dancing herself to meet him halfway.

Adrianna could have sworn the man entering the house was the man she’d seen years back, happy, down to earth, and a smile of an angel. Shit! She could feel the mood in the house already lifting and she was ready to join in that mood.

‘I’ll take you to the candy shop. I’ll let lick the lollipop. Go ahead girl and don’t you stop. You’re going to hit the spot.’

“Yeah, baby!” Adrianna shouted at the top of her voice, whining her waist like a belly dancer.

She got surprised when he actually took her hand and spun her around and they started dancing in rhythm together. Even the maids who heard what was going on had to take a peep to see what was going on. And when they saw it was their master singing, they couldn’t help but smile.

“Come on, Adrianna, sing with me.”

‘The work we do.’ He sang.

‘The work we do.’ Adrianna sang happily.

‘The way we do.’

‘The way we do.’

‘Are just between you and me.’

‘Oh yeah,’ Adrianna then started laughing.

“Okay, hold on, let me catch my breath.” She held his hand but didn’t lose her smile. “What’s going on? You seem happy, in fact, the kind of happiness that I saw years ago.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” He grabbed her waist and raised her, spinning her around. “You’re a genius, my beautiful sister. You’re the best.”

He put her down and kiss all over her face. Adrianna was still surprised as fuck.

“Hey! First tell me what I am getting these kisses for, Mr. Alvarado.”

Sergio laughed. He couldn’t contain his happiness.

“Adrianna, you’re a genius and your brother is happy right now. I have the happiness of the entire world in me right now.” He screamed. He knew his mother wasn’t around because he’d left her at the office attending a meeting. “I love you!”

“Calm down.” She laughed. “What’s up? The suspense is killing me, Sergio. You know I don’t like surprises.”

Sergio took a deep breath and blushed. “Well, guess where I am coming from?”

“From the office?”

“Yes but before that, I went to Eric’s office and he forgave me, Adrianna.” He said with tears in his eyes. “Eric forgave me. I couldn’t believe it when I heard him say it but… we poured our hearts out to each other and now, we’re okay.”

“Oh my God!” She gasped, covering her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes and she hugged her brother tightly. “I am so happy for you two. How did it happen? Tell me everything. Did you guys talk after? What happened? I am dying of curiosity here, please.”

“Calm down.” Sergio laughed. Then he took his sister’s hands and held them tighter. “You know what, Adrianna, I have you to thank for everything. You’re the one that has always pushed me to make things right between Eric and me. Now it has happened and I don’t know what I can do to…”

“Take me shopping silly!” Adrianna chimed in. “You know how crazy I am about new trends in fashion. On second thought, why don’t you take Eric and me out just to have fun? I am dying to spend more time with Eric.”

Sergio laughed. “I’ll try but thanks. If not for you and your support, I don’t know where I would have been now. You supported me when I almost gave up and now I feel like, after five years, I finally have the old me back. After Eric told me he was ready to forgive me, I suddenly got some strange confidence. I felt like the way I was back then, everything came back. I haven’t stopped smiling since I left his office.”

Adrianna nodded. “That’s called love, Sergio. You’ve got your love back and that’s all that matters in this case.”

Sergio sighed gloomily, slightly losing his smile.

“I don’t know about that, Adrianna. Eric has forgiven me and that’s what is important.” He was trying to be confident but Eric’s feelings were still a mystery to him. “I don’t know if he still loves me or not but I have him back and I am content with that. Whatever follows, I will be very happy with that, even if it’s friendship.”

Adrianna sighed, nodding, but deep in her heart, she didn’t accept any of that shit. All she wanted was for Eric to come back into his brother’s heart and take his place back. She was gonna play a thing or two just to ensure that that happened.

“Anyway, tell me everything, Sergio. How you feel and…”

“Hey, I think I have revealed too much. I need to shower and attend to my cheek.” He rubbed on it. “Eric slapped me. I’ll talk to you later.”

He kissed her cheek and started making his way upstairs whistling but Adrianna wasn’t gonna let him go just like that. She followed him, insisting that he told her everything. She wasn’t gonna let it.

Meanwhile, Trev was standing at the entrance door like a statue, feeling like he was standing in ice-cold water. His heart was racing and his body was trembling in fear and anger. While the both of them had been talking, Trevor had arrived to surprise his fiancé only to be surprised with the news that he heard.

He couldn’t even breathe properly. He was cold with dread and fear trickled down his spine.

‘He forgave me!’

He clenched his fists as resentment blossomed within him and rage throbbed in him like a heartbeat. His eyes turned red and his body visibly shook. He couldn’t believe what he’d feared had happened. He quickly made a quick turn and stormed out of there. He knew he had to act fast.

***

“There’s still no progress?” Giada asked, sounding frustrated as fuck.

‘I am sorry, ma’am, but the whole thing has just gotten worse.’ The man on the other end spoke. ‘We’ve reduced our prices by more than 50% and still, it’s getting worse. Revamp has paralyzed us and if we continue like this, we’re gonna be at a great loss here.’

Giada groaned, almost crying. “Is there anything else we can do because we cannot continue like this?” She gasped. “What will our investors and partners say if they get to hear of this? I don’t wanna have complications in my company. Do all you can, lie, cheat, sabotage that revamp.”

‘But ma’am…’

“I don’t wanna hear it.” She yelled. “They’re probably doing the same to us as we speak. We need to act fast.”

Without hearing what the man had to say, she cut the phone and threw it on the couch. Then she started moving from side to side like she was going insane. She was scared, mad and that pulsing headache wasn’t helping matters.

Trevor stormed into the house and boy was he mad. As soon as he reached it, he threw the small bag he was carrying on the floor and sat there, looking like his body was vibrating. He had tears in his eyes and he was only a few seconds away from crying.

“Trevor!” Giada got worried when she saw him. She rushed to him and sat closer to him, holding his hands. “Baby, what’s going on? Are you okay?”

“Okay?” Trevor yelled, furiously rising from the couch. “How can I be okay, mom, when all of a sudden, my fiancé is running after that low life? That bitch is trying to seduce my Sergio once again.”

“What are you talking about? Where did you hear this? I am sure that …”

“No, mommy!” He snarled, a tear rushing down his cheek. “I didn’t hear this from anyone else. I heard it from Sergio’s mouth when I went to see him this evening. He was talking to that spoilt bitch of a sister and he was telling her that he went to that whore’s office. And the worst part of it all is that I heard that they’re now on good terms. What am I supposed to do, mommy?”

“What?” Giada’s heart jumped in her chest in fear. “That can’t be, Trevor. I thought you had Sergio under control.”

“I thought I did, ma. But now I don’t know how I had let that happen.”

Giada clenched her fists. “This boy has bitten more than he can chew. And I have had enough of him. Forget about doing things the right way because now he awakens the monster in me and he’ll get killed by this monster. He’s definitely up to something. On one hand, he’s slowly trying to destroy my company and my reputation and on the other, he’s getting closer to Sergio.”

“What did you say, mom?” Trevor gasped, his eyes widening. “Eric did what?”

Giada sighed. “I don’t know how he did it but he’s somehow paralyzed our new collection. It’s not doing well on the market and we’re on the verge of incurring a loss.”

“Ma, that can’t be.” Trevor couldn’t mask the fear in his voice. “That cannot happen. That new collection is the best we’ve ever produced so far. And we had put in a lot of funds. You know what’s going to happen if we incur a loss, ma. We cannot make a loss, otherwise…”

“I won’t let that happen, Trevor. No!” Giada vowed. “We are not gonna go down just like that. That boy is making me desperate and he has no idea what kind of lengths I can go to just to have things my way.”

“But ma….”

“Now listen to me, Trevor!” She held his shoulders, staring into his eyes. “This boy has become more powerful and influential but I am gonna do whatever I can to make sure that we defeat him. But I need you to listen to me. No matter what, you need to get married to Sergio, no matter what happens. If at all we fail at defeating him, we have a greater chance if you get married into a family-like Sergio’s.”

“I do understand, mommy!” He nodded. “And I’ll do just like that, I promise you. Sergio is mine and mine alone. I’ll never let him and I know exactly what to do.”

Giada smiled. “Thank you and always remember who the enemy is in this case. We have to do all we can to weaken him and finally kill him.”

“Understood!” He nodded.

While the two of them were talking, Brice finally arrived and he looked really happy. He had a smile on his face. He was wearing a dark blue designer’s suit with black shoes and he had a laptop bag with him.

“Hey, there.” He greeted, waving at his family. “How was your day?”

He went straight to his wife and was about to kiss her when suddenly, she blocked him with her hand. He was surprised. Giada had never stopped his attempt to kiss her, not even in front of his son.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, still wearing a smile. “Are you mad that I came home a little late? I am sorry. I had a lot of things to do at the office and…”

“You had a great day?” Giada smiled and when Brice nodded, she lost it. “Good. Because while you were busy enjoying your day at the office, your illegitimate son was busy creating problems for me. I mean, what the hell does he want from me? Isn’t it enough that he almost destroyed our perfect family years ago? Why can’t he leave us alone?”

Brice frowned. “Eric?” He gasped. “What did my son do?”

“Oh!” Giada chuckled bitterly, lifting her shoulders in a half shrug. “So he’s your son now, huh? Anyway, your stupid illegitimate son has paralyzed our new collection on the market. We haven’t been able to sell anything since his arrival. He’s doing this on purpose to get back at me, at us?”

“What?” He gasped, shaking his head. “Giada, I am sure you’re mistaken. I don’t think Eric would do that.”

“Really?” She put her hands on her hips. “Then how do you explain his collection rising to the top and mine to the bottom? Not even these stupid companies have recorded a drop in their sales. Isn’t it a coincidence that only my company is suffering here?”

“Giada, I cannot help you there.” He said simply. “You saw Eric’s collection and you know…”

“Oh cut me the crap!” She yelled. “Don’t you try to defend him because you know what kind of monster that bastard son of yours is? And if that’s not even enough, he’s busy running after Sergio just to hurt my son.” She snarled. “My poor son is being stressed here and you’re not even a bit concerned. He loves Sergio a lot and now he’s wondering if their wedding will even take place because of that bastard.”

Brice’s jaw dropped and he took a glance at his son who had tears in his eyes.

“What nonsense is that?” He asked, getting a bit angry. “Why would Eric do that? He doesn’t know who Sergio is and I am sure they’ve never met before. You’re talking nonsense.”

“Nonsense!” Giada barked in her husband’s face. “It is you who is responsible for all our problems.”

“Excuse me!” Brice chuckled, shaking his head. “Why are you blaming me? How am I at fault?’

“You’re at fault!” She yelled in his face. “Instead of you being faithful to your wife and your son, you went chasing after that bitch like a dog in heat. And you gave birth to that bastard who’s been a problem ever since he was born. You couldn’t just keep your stupid dick in one place, no! You had to move it from…”

“Enough!” He snapped, lifting his hand. Man, he was really mad and Giada had never seen him that mad at her before. “How dare you talk to me like that, and in front of our son! Where’s your respect for me as your husband?”

“Why?” She laughed. “Are you ashamed? Isn’t it the truth? Too ashamed to admit that what I am saying is the truth? You’re the one that…”

“I said enough!” Brice gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “And why are you pointing fingers at me, huh? How am I at fault here when you’re also to be blamed here?”

Tears welled up in Giada’s eyes and she just stood there staring at her husband without even blinking. She was boiling in anger.

“I know what I did was a mistake but you were the cause of all this.” He said, pointing at her. “While I was busy working like a dog to give you the life that you wanted, what did you do? You were busy counting diamonds. I needed love but you needed a dog to bring you food, pieces of jewelry, diamonds, and to pamper you as your father did.”

“Daddy, please, it’s enough!” Trevor pleaded, putting his hands together.

“Please, Trev!” Brice gestured.

“Really?” Laurel sobbed as a million tears made their way down her face. “You’re blaming me for your mistakes? What did I do wrong by loving you, trying to change your life?”

“And what did I get in return, Giada?” He said with tears in his eyes. “I sacrificed my own life, my love, and my dreams just to make you and your father happy. I know what I resorted to was wrong and I still came back when you begged me to.

My son, my flesh and blood was out there suffering and I never did anything because I was following your instructions. I chose to leave that life behind, a life where I was completely happy and came to you. Even at that, I did my best to love you but you were still not satisfied. I am also human, Giada, and I have feelings too.”

Brice had lost it all. Trevor rushed to his crying mother and held her tightly, trying to soothe her but it was not working.

“I loved you so much, Brice, and I still do. You don’t have to tell me all these hurtful things.” She sobbed.

“Sometimes I doubt if you loved me or you were just obsessed with me.” He spoke softly. “You had caused all this. Laurel supported me and she stood by me through tough times. Maybe, I should have just gone my separate way. And maybe you’re right, I am to blame for all this.”

“Why would you say that to me?” Giada cried, gripping his collar. “You don’t have the right to tell me that. Not after what I have done for you. You know I love you.”

“Maybe you do and I have followed your every instruction. Even when you told me to manage the Sandoval group of hotels, I never argued although I knew that Sandoval fashion house is the biggest company we have and that was because I wanted to please you. But now, you’re making me see things in a different light. I should have gone my separate way and maybe, my son wouldn’t have gone through all the pain he did. I still don’t know if he’ll ever forgive me or…”

“I am your wife and I love you so much and…”

“You might be but you never understood the responsibilities that come with that.”

He removed Giada’s hands from his collar and rushed upstairs with tears running down his cheeks. He was in so much pain.

“No!” Giada cried, falling to her knees. “You can’t say that to me.”

“Mommy!” Trevor knelt and held her. “Mommy, please, do not break down. I am sure daddy didn’t mean it.”

“How could he say that I was a bad wife?” She wailed. “How could he say all those hurtful things to me? I love Brice so much and I had sacrificed everything for him.”

“He’s just angry,” Trev reassured. “Please, shhhhhhhhh… everything will be okay.”

Trevor held his mother tighter as she cried like a baby, rubbing on her shoulder. Never had he seen his mother cry before and it hurt him more than it did her. He wasn’t gonna let that go.

‘Eric, you’ve made my family argue today, something that has never happened before.’ He thought, his jaws shaking uncontrollably. ‘You’ve made my mother cry for the first time in her life. I swear to you on my blood, you’ll pay for this dearly. You are gonna wish you hadn’t been born. Prepare for the storm that’s coming your way.’

That was a vow he made. He closed his eyes shut and tried his best to calm his mother down.

***

“Thank you so much.” Sergio smiled at the made that had just served him a glass of pineapple juice.

“You’re welcome, sir!” She bowed slowly. “The boss will be downstairs very soon. Excuse me!”

He nodded and took a sip of the pineapple juice that tasted like heaven. It was great.

Sergio was looking all around the gorgeous residence, admiring every detail in there. It was really beautiful, just medium and he even started having ideas of having a place like that in the future. The way everything was just displayed, the color and the decorations, they all matched. He’d never seen a place so beautiful. His mansion was big but that place was heaven.

Sergio was wearing a black designer’s shirt that was tucked in a deep red designer’s trousers with red shoes on his feet. He had a white blazer on him which just added to his sexiness. And that half-smile on his face as he scanned the entire place was too seductive.

“Sergio!”

Sergio almost jumped up when he heard that sweet voice call him. He quickly diverted his eyes to the staircase and what he saw made him hypnotized. He could neither speak nor blink. He was just staring at the beauty that was coming downstairs looking hot and spicy. He felt his body go hot and his hormones begin to rise.

Shit! He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Eric was coming downstairs and he had just had on an open robe and a tight boxer white boxer that had fishnet on the sides. Whoa! Sergio couldn’t help but look and he didn’t even care if Eric saw him staring.

Everything was moving in slow motion, the way Eric was moving towards him, walking like a model. And God, that body which had changed into something more seductive. Sergio’s mouth watered from the view. His body was definitely to die for. He couldn’t mind running his tongue all over that hairless body and just enjoy himself.

Eric knew Sergio was staring and he felt a jolt of excitement hit him. He walked towards the man and his hair was loose, reaching his butt and it was a bit wet since he was just from taking a shower. He went near Sergio, stood right in front of him. Then he did something crazier. He flipped his hair seductively, sending streams of water to Sergio’s face.

Shit! Sergio’s heart jumped out of his chest when Eric flipped his hair. God, Sergio was instantly horny and his breaths changed. If Eric was his, he’d have held him and kissed him senselessly right there without minding who was watching.

“Sergio!”

Sergio got out of his reverie and he gulped, smiling sheepishly. He was unable to control himself and he quickly used his blazer to cover his hard-on. Fortunately, Eric didn’t see it as he was busy staring and smiling at the man’s face.

“What brings you here, Sergio?” Eric asked. “I didn’t expect you to visit so soon.”

“Well…” He cleared his throat. “I was nearby and since I saw that your address was quite near, I decided to come here and see your place. I love this place. It almost feels like heaven.”

Eric nodded, resting his hand on his hip. “I know, right? I have to thank David for that. He’s the one that got the house for me. And I like this neighborhood. It’s quiet and it’s also peaceful.”

“Yeah, I noticed.” He chuckled nervously. “I have been here several times for meetings and I love the quietness too.”

“Yeah!” Eric nodded and the two of them just kept staring into each other’s eyes.

There was something that Sergio wanted to say to Eric but he didn’t have the courage to and it was a bit too early for that.

“Yeah, I was also hoping that maybe you and I can go out and grab a drink or something.” Shit! Sergio felt like he’d just said something abominable with the way his heart began racing. “We haven’t seen each other in a long time and I just thought maybe we could catch up.”

“Oh, I would love that but…” He looked at himself. “…I just came from showering and I need to work. There’s something very important that I have to do. But I’ll call you if I have some time and then we can go and grab that drink if your fiancé doesn’t mind?”

“What?” Sergio chuckled nervously. “Why would he mind?”

Eric just smiled, staring at Sergio. Sergio was so damn nervous. He didn’t even realize that he was sweating and Eric saw that.

“Are you okay, Sergio?” Eric asked, raising an eyebrow. “You’re sweating.”

“Yeah!” He chuckled nervously. “Is it hot in here or something?”

Eric shook his head. “No! And the AC is even on. Are you sure you’re okay?”

He placed his hand on Sergio’s forehead and started wiping the sweat. Sergio felt like a cable of electricity had just been placed on his forehead and he began sweating profusely. He knew he was gonna mess up if that continued because it was gonna be hard for him to control himself and his hormones.

“Yeah, I am fine.” He chuckled nervously. “May I… may I use your bathroom, please?”

“Sure!”

Eric gave him directions and Sergio didn’t waste any more time before he began racing there. He needed to fix himself with some cold water or else, he was gonna be in a lot of trouble. As he left, Eric’s face lit up with an evil grin and he chuckled. That had been fun.

He was about to take a seat when suddenly, Sergio’s phone started ringing. He stopped and took the phone, staring at the screen. Then he was filled with even more evil. He was really happy and he cleared his voice before he answered the call.

‘Hey, honey, I am free right now and I was just thinking of us going out, you know, just the two of us.’ It was Trevor and he sounded so damn horny. ‘We can have lunch together and we can just make love the entire day if you want.’

Eric’s face got stern and he cleared his voice.

“Hey Sergio, do you need some help!” He hollered.

“No, I am okay,” Sergio shouted.

‘Who… who is this?’ Trevor gasped on the other end. ‘And why do you have my fiancé’s phone? Where’s he?’

“Oh, I am so sorry.” He apologized in a sexy voice. “Sergio, just went to the bathroom and he’ll be back later.”

Trevor’s breaths from the other end sounded like a tornado.

‘Who is this?’ He yelled. ‘Who the fuck is this and what are you…’

“Hey, I am sorry but you’re kinda disturbing us.” He moaned. “Can you call after two or three hours? I am sure he’ll be available by then.”

‘Eric!’ Trevor gasped on the other end.

“Ciao!”

He laughed and then cut the call. He laughed and then knew he had to delete the number or else Sergio was gonna know he’d talked to Trevor. He took a deep breath and then began typing the password but it didn’t work. He tried severally but it wouldn’t open. But then, something came to his mind and he started typing the password.

To his great surprise, the phone and he got shocked. But that had been the password he’d set when they were together, ‘Seric.’ It was a combination of both their names. Eric got a bit emotional as he hadn’t expected that but he heard footsteps and he quickly went to the call logs and deleted Trevor’s number. Then he placed the phone where it been and sat down, playing with his hair, and when Sergio came back, he smiled.

“Hey, did my phone ring? I thought I heard….”

“No!” Eric said simply. “There was no phone ringing. You probably just heard things.”

“Oh!” He chuckled as he took his phone and slipped it into his pocket. “I guess I have to get going. I had forgotten that I have a meeting and they’re probably waiting for me.”

Eric got up from the chair and walked towards Sergio. “Alright! But…”

He paused and got closer to Sergio. He got so closer that Sergio felt like passing out from the sensations that took control of him. Suddenly, Sergio felt Eric’s hands on his chest and they started tracking down. His breaths quickened and he gulped, his eyes widening while he stared deeper into those beautiful blue eyes. What was Eric doing, he thought?

He could feel Eric’s hands going down and when they reached his belt, they started tracing down to his crotch and he felt his cock twitch. He was breathing harshly and he was hoping Eric wasn’t gonna do what he was thinking or was he hoping? He slightly closed his eyes and tried to move but he couldn’t and fuck, he was starting to get hard again.

But just when he thought things couldn’t get any worse, he heard the sound of his zipper, and his heart jumped into his throat. God, what was happening? It was like his mind had begun melting.

“You…” He moaned. “…you had forgotten to do your zipper.”

Sergio’s heart almost got out of him when he heard that. And he had thought Eric had unzipped him. But before he got a chance to say something, Eric’s lips got suddenly dangerously close to him and he felt his breaths on his face before he felt Eric’s hands on his collar.

The guy was doing his collar well and he was so dangerously close. Their lips brushed and Sergio bit his lip, suppressing a moan. But just as quick as Eric had come, he went away and stood a distance from the horny guy.

“Now you’re good to go.” He smiled. “Have a great day at the office and see you soon.”

Sergio nodded and left from there like the hounds of hell were after him.

When he left, Eric chuckled and just continued playing with his hair. He was wearing a gorgeous smile and he went laughing up the stairs.

***

David opened the door to the hotel room and started rushing inside. He was dressed handsomely in a brick red designer’s suit with a white shirt inside and red shoes on his feet. As soon as he entered, he saw the woman he had come to see seated on a chair with her legs crossed.

She was dressed in a beautiful, sexy designer’s grey open cleavage peace silk tight blouse that was tucked in a tight sexy skirt with golden heels on her feet. Her hair was made into wet-looking scrunched strands flipped casually at the crown. When David entered and closed the door, he thought he was in the wrong room. The woman was playing with her hair.

“Hello, David!” She said in a sexy, seductive tone.

David gulped, slowly walking to where she was seated.

“Mrs. Sandoval, what a surprise. How have you been?”

“I have been great, David. Just lovely.”

David shoved the hands in his pockets, raising an eyebrow. “I got a surprise when I got an emergency call. Is everything alright?”

Giada laughed, jumping to her feet. “Yes! Everything is alright. Just business as usual. I brought the same proposal as before. I want in and I am not gonna let you go today until you say yes.”

David chuckled. “Mrs. Sandoval, I thought we already talked about this. If you want to partner with us then…”

“But I want another deal, David.” She started getting closer, wearing that smile on her face. “I know you’re the boss of that company and your voice is final. That little boy cannot boss you around and…”

“But that’s where you’re wrong, Mrs. Sandoval.” He said with a sigh. “Eric and I are equals. No one is above the other.”

“Exactly!” She laughed. “Which means that whatever decisions you make, he cannot revert them. You might be saying that but I know who holds the balls in this company, the true fashion god and that’s you. And you see, I want to enter your company and I am not willing to just let it go like that. I am willing to….” She moaned and put her fingers on his chest. “…to do anything to get there. You have the power and I wanna be part of that power.”

David got away from the woman. He could sense trouble and he was getting nervous.

“Mrs. Sandoval, the only way you’re gonna partner with us is if you sell us some of your shares.” He said confidently. “There’s no other way aside from that. I can’t go behind Eric’s back and get you in just like that. It’s gonna be a betrayal.”

“No!” Giada shook her head. “It’s not gonna be a betrayal. You’ll be doing your company a favor by having someone like me there. I have a lot that I can offer to take the company to another level.”

“We’re already on the next level!” David said, a little loudly. “And Eric is the reason for that. Whatever decisions that he makes, they’re all for the good of this company.”

“He does them out of selfishness!” Giada said harshly. “You don’t know how that boy is. He’ll stab you in the back when you least expect it, the moment you just turn. How are you even sure that he’s not even planning on getting rid of you.”

“Eric would never do that,” David said, raising his chin. “If he was to betray me then he’d have done it when we started these companies. But he’s supported me through thick and thin, like a son I never had.”

“Wow!” Giada rolled her eyes, jutting her hips. “And you think he won’t do it. Open your eyes right now. He knows that you trust him and he’s been using that to take advantage of you. Let me in and together, we’ll be powerful and super-rich. We’ll be untouchable.”

“Mrs. Sandoval, you’ve been given an option, and if you don’t…”

“I am not taking that option.” She roared.

“There’s nothing I can do.” He gave a half shrug. “Eric has offered this company a lot and not only the company but for me too.”

Giada laughed and shook her head.

“Has he offered you what I am offering you right now?” She seductively moved her hands to her blouse, getting closer to the man who suddenly froze.

She took the hem of her sexy blouse and started pulling it upwards.

“W-w-what are you doing?” David stuttered.

“I never mix business and pleasure, David! But for you, I am making an exception and offering you business and pleasure on a silver platter!” She moaned like a professional pornstar.

David gasped, shaking his head. He was really scared and his heart began pounding violently in fear.

“Mrs. Sandoval, please….”

But it was too late. Giada pulled off her blouse and threw it on the floor. She was now standing in just a sexy red bra, showing her huge boobs to the poor man standing in front of her and the skirt she was putting on. She shook off her high heels and started getting closer. David was about to turn but she gripped him by the collar and brought him closer.

Before he even realized what was going on, he was thrown on the bed. He tried to get up but she got on top of him, sitting right on his crotch. His breaths quickened and he felt himself losing control. He couldn’t remember the last time he had sex and it was no surprise his member was rising.

“Mrs. Sandoval…”

“Shhhhhhhhh....” Giada blocked his lips with her finger. “… don’t fight it, Mr. David Smith, because I know you want me. I can feel your cock rising, yearning for my deliciousness.” She kissed her finger and placed it on his lips.

“Please, don’t do this, Giada. You’re a married…”

“I know that, David.” She moaned, pressed her boobs hard. “But there’s nothing I won’t do to get into Liberty shoes. You hold the key and I am gonna show you exactly what you’re gonna be getting once you give me that key, David.”

“Giada, I….”

“No amount of money is worth a woman’s essence, David!” She lowered her head, getting closer to David’s lips. “And I am offering it to you on a silver platter. Just enjoy my sweetness and… and I promise that you will understand what I am offering. You won’t deny it.”

She started undoing his buttons and slipped inside, playing with his hairy chest.

“This is wrong.”

“I know. But what comes after will be worth it.”

She started getting closer to his lips while her hands started tracking down and just as she was about to kiss him, something suddenly happened. It happened so fast that Giada herself hadn’t expected it.

As her lips were about to touch David’s, the door flung open and she heard footsteps rushing towards the bed. Giada was about to raise her face when suddenly she felt a hot slap on her face, sending her flying off to the floor with a thud. She was slapped off David.

The slap was as loud as a clap and it stung her face. It had been a backhanded slap and immediately she reached the floor, she winced in pain as her hand found her cheek. She was sure it had left a mark. No one had slapped her that hard before.

Giada quickly raised her face, trying to get up and when her eyes met with the man standing in front of her, staring at her like he was ready to kill her, her entire strength left her. Her heart started pounding so violently that she was ready to have a heart attack. It was Eric. Eric was standing so close to her with his eyes directed at her, breathing like a monster in a cave. He had tears in his eyes and he didn’t come there to play.

“How dare you, you…”

But Giada didn’t finish the sentence as Eric’s hand cracked across her face, snapping it back with the force of his blow. Giada screamed in pain and staggered backward, clutching her face, eyes watering.

To be continued…