Open Up

An incredible warmth washed over me at his words.
Jasper had told me these same things when I was only fifteen and he seventeen, long before the mate bond overwhelmed us. And he had kept his word when I was ready to mate, he came to the door of my parent's house to claim me. Only then did I learn that he had already asked my father for my hand when he was only sixteen. On my eighteenth birthday, I did not shift. The whole pack found out, and I locked myself in my bedroom, ashamed and defeated. Jasper had almost broken down the door to come in and comfort me. He took me straight to the packhouse that same night. And then he had promised to make me his top priority, I was his Queen, he had sworn to me. And kept his word.
To hear these exact words again now, makes me so emotional.
For a moment, I rest my head against Mr. del Castilho's shoulder, longing for the safe and loving feeling my mate had offered me. However, the moment is disturbed by the elevator doors sliding open. Startled, I slide away from the man, clearing my throat and walking with straight shoulders toward his vehicle. Like a gentleman, he opens the door for me and I slide into the passenger seat. Sitting next to me, he turns to me. "Rain, I meant every word I just said. You felt so good in my arms, I know we're perfect for each other," he whispers.
I peek at his face and see genuine emotions.
"We've only known each other for a week and you utter such strong words. I'm certainly not the only woman you've come across," I lecture him. "Why me?" The smile that comes across his face, sharpens his handsome features. I could so easily fall in love with this man, he's a panty-dropping hunk. I finally let go of the tension that had built up inside me. "It's not a choice, it is a feeling. When I first saw you, I knew you were the one. My heart raced with passion, I'd never felt this for a woman before. I'm sure you are the one I've been waiting for all my life". He takes my hand and kisses the back of it.
"Let's do our job. A client is waiting for us. After that, we'll see," I sigh. As he starts the car and drives away, I consider that the two years of loneliness are now enough. It's time to draw a line under the past and move on. Mr. del Castilho will offer me the perfect opportunity to start over. But then, I will have to confess that I am infertile. Every man wants a family, children of his own, and I cannot offer that to anyone. I sigh again; I shouldn't get my hopes up. It is almost a given that I will be alone all my life, probably be the nanny of Ruth and John's pups.
Mr. del Castilho takes my hand in his as he makes his way through the heavy traffic.
I'm not sure if I should allow this intimate gesture, but it feels right. It has been years since anyone has shown this much affection for me; I have missed this so much. My hand closes tight over his, enjoying this satisfying warmth that all this unleashes in me. When we arrived, Mr. del Conselho bent over me to unbuckle my seatbelt. Suddenly he turns his face and our faces are inches apart. His gazes focus on my lips as his approach.
Our lips lock, a shiver of pleasure passes through me.
I open my mouth to receive him, his hand gripping my hair as he pulls me closer to him. His kiss is tender and reassuring, he doesn't want to scare me off. Mr. del Castilho knows this is going way too fast for me, I still have doubts if we are doing the right thing. An office relationship is risky, it can disrupt the whole dynamic in the workplace, the staff might feel uncomfortable being near me if they know I am in a relationship with the boss.
"Let's take it slow. You're my chief, we have some challenges ahead," I whisper. "First, let's find out if we really fit together if a relationship between us is even feasible." He chuckles and gives me another long kiss. We get out of the car, I grab my bag with the files from the back seat and we are ready for meetings with our important client.
Mr. del Castilho's mood is top.
Side by side, we walk into the conference room where a group of businessmen awaits us. We formally introduced ourselves and then spent an hour explaining in detail the project's progress under Conselho Construction Enterprises' supervision. Mr. del Castilho takes care of the technical part while I explain the numbers. Fortunately, we are within budget, which is highly appreciated by the client. After the official part, we are offered a drink where we mingle with the managers and answer some personal questions about the portfolio.
Mr. del Castilho keeps staying close to me, I feel his chest pressing against my shoulders and back all the time. Also, the sparkle in his eyes every time he looks at me is unambiguous. Those present seem to notice it too, but they keep their cool. I know he is marking out his territory, letting the other men know I belong to him.
As we returned to the car several hours later, I let out a cry of joy.
My commitment to this project paid off, a satisfied client is an inspiration to one's career. Then I think about how my career in Conselho Construction Enterprises will probably falter if I become the CEO's girlfriend. No one will believe that I achieved any promotion with hard work; there will always be some nasty reason found to label that. I throw a glance at Mr. del Castilho. He is no longer the stern man I first met, the boyish grin now on his face makes him so approachable and open.
When he holds the door open for me, I can't suppress the urge to give him a peck on the lips. Immediately he pushes me against the car and deepens the kiss. When we are forced to let go to breathe, his lips travel down my throat and nip their way to my ears.
"I love it when you're so unrestrained with me. No longer that stiff, formal project manager, but a warm woman willing to open up for a while," he whispers in my ear....