Chapter Nineteen
"I'm extremely sorry bro. I didn't know, " apologized Killian and Laurence let go of his collar. Arianna stood transfixed to the spot like a statue. Laurence's words rang inside her head. Did he really mean what he said or did he say it just to make Killian lose interest in her? Maybe he said it to make Killian lose interest in her after all.
"Even if she wasn't my fiancée Killian, you should learn to respect women. You can't just conclude that all women are available and interested to please you. If you don't change your ways, I'm sorry that we wouldn't be able to continue working together any longer, " said Laurence strictly.
"I said I'm sorry. Now you're making an issue out of it. Don't threaten me. I can't and won't change because of you. I'll mail my resignation by tonight, " said Killian, striding off angrily towards the main door. He left banging the door shut after him.
Arianna watched guiltily as another important employee and friend left Laurence's company. "I'm sorry sir that he left because of me, " she said with an unhappy face.
"No you have nothing to feel guilty about. He should learn to uphold the dignity of a woman. Please don't say sorry. I have many dedicated employees lined up for the job, " he reassured her.
"Thank you for saving me from him, sir," she said quietly.
"I'm Laurence to you. Do I have to remind you again and again? I don't mind," he said approaching her.
She backed away from him. "Lunch is ready, " she said turning to run into the kitchen away from him. She didn't have the courage to ask him about what he said earlier. Laurence caught her hand and pulled her into his arms.
"Lunch can wait," he said, holding her chin and staring at her upturned face.
"I think," she started but he simply lowered his head and captured her lips in a punishing kiss. His teeth bit her lower lip and glided into her sweet mouth. His hands went to her hips and he picked her up in his arms. He sat down on the couch nearby with her straddled on his lap. His hot lips devoured hers hungrily. Arianna too kissed him back eagerly. Her hand going beneath his shirt to feel his hard chest. His sharp intake of breath and moan was enough to indicate that he was too aroused.
His mouth trailed to her neck and throat and she arched herself to give him more access. He unbuttoned her top and let it fall to the floor. He quickly unhooked her bra and let it fall to the floor. His eyes darkened like dark thunder clouds as he gazed at the creamy rounded breasts.
"Beautiful, " he whispered hoarsely, his hands teasing the already taut peaks. He captured one at a time into his mouth and sucked like a baby. Arianna moaned out his name with crazy abandon. She didn't understand this crazy attraction between them, the need to be in each other's arms all the time, the need to make crazy love with one another. Was it normal?
His fingers deftly took off her shorts along with her panties. He picked her up and carried her to off to his bedroom, his eyes not leaving hers even for a minute. He laid her down and his fingers caressed her gently.
"I want you, Aria," he whispered. "See what you do to me," he admitted hovering over her, his breath hitched, his pupils dilated and his eyes darker than ever.
"Oh Laurence, " she whispered. He quickly got rid of his clothes. She watched him through hooded eyes. She'd seen him before, how gorgeous he was. She hadn't been able to forget his naked body against hers. She saw his massive erection and blushed. Would he make love to her now? She wondered.
He pressed his bare body against hers and kissed her everywhere. He picked up her hand and placed it over his arousal, teaching her how to please him. She was a very good learner doing exactly what he wanted of her. She sucked him clean giving him more pleasure than he could ever think of.
When both of them found got their satisfaction, he sat up and pulled her into his arms. "Will you be mine forever Aria?" He asked suddenly. Arianna gasped at his question.
"Forever?" She asked him, perplexed by his question. Was he asking her to marry him?
"Yes, I want you to be mine for life. I'm in love with you Aria. I have been since that night I saw you," He told her. Arianna simply hugged him to her chest. She was overwhelmed by his admission. The knowledge that he loved her was the greatest gift that she could have received in this lifetime.
"Oh Laurence, I love you too. I was too scared to confess my feelings for you, " she admitted, kissing the top of his head then pulling him up, she kissed his forehead. "I love you more than words can express," she said with tears of happiness in her eyes.
"I'm glad," admitted Laurence. Arianna snuggled closer to him.
They lay in each other's arms for quite sometime till it was time to go for their meeting with the marketing department to discuss the demand rate over the last few years. They reached their London office in twenty minutes.
The team was waiting for them at the conference room. Laurence introduced Arianna to everyone and the meeting stretched till 5 o'clock in the evening. Laurence appointed Katherine West as their new Head of Operations for their London branch to replace Killian. She already was with them since the launch of their London branch and no one was more capable than her. Afterwards Laurence led her towards his car. After they were seated, he gave an address to his chauffeur.
The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe.
"Where are we going?" Asked Arianna curiously.
"To a dinner date," he said with a smile.
They reached a magnificent skyscraper named The Gherkin. Laurence led her to a grand, sky-high restaurant on the fortieth floor. It was famous for offering panoramic views while you unwind with a delicious meal and check out the cityscape spanning out in front of you. They were led to their table and Arianna gasped at the view. It was simply stunning.
They were served choicest signature dishes of the world-class restaurant, Suffolk chicken served with pistachio terrine and prune relish, braised Herefolk beef with tender stemmed stir fried broccoli and artichoke, finishing off with white chocolate cremeux. It was the grandest meal of her life.
After the meal, Laurence got up from his seat. All the lights suddenly were out. A beautiful huge chandelier was lit with a floodlight focussed upon them and soft music filled the air. What was happening? Arianna looked around confused and then her eyes fell upon Laurence who knelt on one knee right in front of her. Was this what she thought it was?
He held her hands and looked into her eyes with sincerity and true love shining in them. "Aria, I had fallen in love with you the moment I saw you. I know it's sudden and all but when your heart wants someone, it doesn't want to waste time waiting. I know you're the only one I'd ever love in this lifetime so please be mine for ever. Please will you marry me Aria?" He asked hopefully.
Laurence was a go-getter in his quiet ways. He didn't believe in wasting time when he knew what he wanted. He wanted Arianna and he loved her deeply, so the earlier they got married, the better. Why waste time when they both had already realized their feelings for one another?
"Yes Laurence, I'll marry you," said Arianna, tears of happiness filling her eyes. Laurence took out a small box and picked up a sparkling ring from inside.
Arianna's mouth hung open as she saw the beautiful and exquisite ring which might have cost a fortune. "It's exquisite," she said with wide eyes. was a Solitaire diamond ring with smaller diamonds encrusted all over. He slipped it on Arianna's finger and she gasped as the ring sparkled reflecting the lights.
Laurence got up to plant a kiss on her mouth while the lights were switched on again. Everyone in the whole restaurant applauded them and congratulated them. "How are you feeling, my fiancée?" Asked Laurence, as they left the restaurant.
"Cherished and loved," she said and he placed his hand around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side.
They climbed into the car and headed towards their apartment. Arianna felt giddy with excitement. She couldn't believe that she could be so lucky to have Laurence's love. She still couldn't believe that she was engaged to the man she loved.
They reached the apartment and Laurence picked her up and carried her towards his bedroom. "From tonight you will share my bedroom with me. I refuse to sleep alone. Did you hear me?" He asked her, with desire filled eyes.
