Wow, I finally updated this ahaha. Sorry for the wait guys! Hope this chapter was worth it.

Chapter 4

The next morning, Vivi spent her entire commute into work utterly miserable. She had barely slept last night, and all her dreams had left her hot, and aching for Crocodile to touch her again. Sleep deprivation was combined with extreme nerves. After thoroughly rejecting his advances, Vivi doubted Crocodile would be happy to see her again. Frustratingly there was still the overriding tang of desire that had her unconsciously rubbing her thighs together at the thought of his piercing eyes and imposing physique. All in all the combination had her feeling nauseous and unhappy. Even when she arrived at the office, the feeling didn't subside, and Vivi dragged her feet all the way up to her floor. She was so desperate to delay the inevitable that she even walked up five flights of stairs rather than take the elevator! Slow as molasses Vivi went into the small kitchen to prepare Crocodile's morning brew, and shamefully hid in there until she knew he had arrived and was safely in his office. She did not want to meet him at her desk! The only thing that eventually drove her from the kitchen was the more pressing fear of what Crocodile would do to her if his coffee was cold.

5 minutes later Vivi was still standing outside his office door, staring blankly at the wood. People were starting to glance curiously at her. So with a deep breath Vivi gathered her nerves and slip into his office. She held his coffee before him like a shield, and cautiously approached. He was pouring over a thick folder, stuffed with paper. But when he saw her enter, he quickly flipped the folder shut and put it to the side. This alone was enough to pique Vivi's curiosity, but when she came closer she could clearly see 'Alabasta Waters' printed across the front of the folder. Her heart instantly started pounding, and her mind went into overdrive. This was it. It almost seemed surreal to see proof that her suspicions were right. Up till now, her stay in Baroque Works had felt kind of like a break. But here was very real confirmation that she had work to do. Vivi placed the mug of coffee on Crocodile's desk near the file, and with military precision splashed a little over the side of the mug. The coffee didn't hit the file, but Crocodile still cursed and quickly lifted it out of the way and dropped it a drawer in his desk before slamming the drawer shut. The noise made Vivi jump. They had said nothing to each other, and the sound was jarringly loud in the awkward silence. She whipped out a tissue and mopped up the small spill. But instead of making her escape she lingered to see if there was anything else to learn about this folder. Crocodile pulled a key out of his pocket and locked the drawer. Vivi felt her heart sink. How was she supposed to get that key? As she worried over this problem, Crocodile looked up and pinned her with eyes that were flat and cold, with more than a hint of suspicion. "What are you loitering here for."

Vivi felt cold fingers of dread tingle down her spine. If she didn't come up with a good excuse she was in big trouble.

"Well…" Vivi let out a soft nervous laugh, as inspiration hit her like a bolt of lightning. "I wanted to apologise."

"Apologise." Crocodile repeated flatly.

His tone made Vivi cringe. Obviously not a man used to rejection. But at least he seemed less suspicious.

"Yeah. I wanted to apologise for yesterday."

Vivi took a chance and took a couple of steps towards him and did her best to look contrite rather than terrified. It became much harder when Crocodile slowly stood and sauntered around to her side of the desk. He sat on the edge of the desk, but he still loomed over her and it became that much harder to think coherently.

"I-I… feel bad for just running out."

Steeling her nerves, Vivi tentatively reached out and brushed a piece of imaginary dust off one of the broad shoulders of his smart suit. His eyes were so intense that she couldn't meet his gaze for more than a second and her heart pounded in her ears.

"I guess I just panicked." Vivi laughed softly again and hoped she didn't sound as hysterical as she felt. "You're just kind of overwhelming I guess…" That at least was true.

Ever so slowly Crocodile reached up and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, moving as if he was trying not to spook a wild animal. Even that small contact made Vivi's skin tingle with delight and her breath quicken.

After a long moment of looking at her, golden eyes dark and molten with desire, he spoke. "May I kiss you, Vivi."

All Vivi's excuses had left her, and so she carefully leant forward and pressed her lips to his. Even she couldn't deny that it was thrilling.

Crocodile wasted no time after that. He pounced. He wrapped his strong arms around Vivi's waist and pressed her close to him and kissed her fiercely. Vivi felt like she was drowning in fire and desire, heat rushing through her body at his touch. Without planning it, her hands moved up and wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer and making the kiss deeper. His hands rubbed up and down her back, and at one point Crocodile dipped a hand lower and gave her ass a firm squeeze before using the leverage to push her hips into his. The contact made heat throb maddeningly between Vivi's legs and she gasped, breaking the kiss. Crocodile chuckled a little, the deep rumble of his laugh vibrating through Vivi's body. In retaliation she bit him gently on the bottom lip, before giving the bite an apologetic kiss. Crocodile groaned, and the sound made Vivi feel heady with power. She bit him again, and this time Crocodile responded by kissing her firmly, bringing them even closer together. When he brought up a strong hand and cupped one of her breasts through her shirt, Vivi whimpered with pleasure. She felt like she was coming apart at the seams. And judging from the firm pressure she feel against her stomach, Crocodile was not unaffected. Vivi realised all he had to do now was ask, and she'd let him take her over his desk. And it was that thought that finally made her pull away. Crocodile didn't give her much respite. As soon as he realised that she was done, he turned his attention to her neck, nipping and sucking the smooth skin of her throat. It was clear he was trying to cloud her mind with lust again, and Vivi would be lying if she said it wasn't working. For a moment she closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the sensations, before she pushed him away gently. They were both panting and it took a minute for Vivi to gather her thoughts.

"…I should go." She said breathlessly.

Crocodile kissed her throat again, and murmured against her skin. "I want you."

The confession sent another jolt of heat between Vivi's legs and she moaned aloud. This only encouraged him. They spent another few minutes kissing before once again Vivi gently pushed him back. This time she stepped out of arms reach. Crocodile was a hot mess. His hair and shirt were rumpled, and his golden eyes were heavy and clouded with desire. Vivi knew she looked no better. Her gaze dropped to the impressive bulge in his pants, and swallowed thickly. She was already tempted to go back. Her boss noticed, if the arrogant look was anything to go by. He reached for her again. But this time Vivi had had time to gather her senses and skipped out of reach.

"I really do need to go… People will start to wonder what's taking so long."

The desire dripped from her words like treacle, and Crocodile's eyes became even more heavy lidded in response.

Eventually he managed to growl. "You will come back. As soon as you can."

Vivi could only nod, trying to fight the blush in her cheeks, and tame her hair enough to go back out without raising suspicion. As she slipped back out, she heard him groan.

Vivi stumbled back to her desk in a daze. Her body still thrummed with desire, and her thoughts were muddled and cloudy with thoughts of his lips on her throat. She tried to look like she was working, so as not to attract the attention of the other women working nearby. Her body mechanically went through the motions of working, but her mind was back in Crocodile's office.

It was a long time before something occurred to her. The folder! Guilt flooded through her that she could have forgotten about something so important, in favour of daydreaming about Crocodile's strong hands and hot kisses. The guilt flushed away the lingering desire he had left in her system, and Vivi's mind instantly focused on how to get her hands on the folder. She worried over the problem for hours, mulling over ideas. However, she had to admit defeat when she couldn't think of anything better than drugging him. Crocodile would definitely notice that. And he would probably murder her. When her desk phone rang, it came as a welcome distraction. Vivi eagerly picked the phone up, and was told that a Mr. Oda was here for to see Crocodile for lunch. Vivi thanked the receptionist, before hanging up. She had forgotten that Crocodile had scheduled this lunch break as 'business'. They were probably going to go for an hour or so to discuss large sums of money in an overpriced café. With a sigh Vivi got to her feet. She was torn between feeling reluctant and eager to go back into Crocodile's office, thanks to how totally she'd lost her senses last time she was in there. But there were no excuses this time. She quickly walked over, and knocked on his door before letting herself in. Crocodile distractedly hummed a greeting when she walked in, and Vivi's heart leapt into her throat. He had that folder open again. He was writing something down in it. Crocodile finally looked up at her and gave her a lazy smile.

"Back so soon? I knew you had a soft spot for me."

Still watching her, Crocodile dropped the folder back into the desk drawer, and locked it. But before he could put the key away, Vivi had reached him and gave him a slow lingering kiss. Instantly he pulled her into his lap, absently putting the key on his desk. They shared another deep kiss, and Vivi struggled to keep a clear head. This was important! When she felt his large, strong hand sweep up her thigh, caressing her toned legs, Vivi knew his mind was well of truly on her. In truth she struggled not to allow him to go further. Struggled not to encourage his hand further up her thigh, caress under her skirt, soothe some of the heat burning her skin… But she couldn't allow it this time. With a husky chuckle Vivi pulled away.

She murmured, "A Mr. Oda is waiting for you downstairs… You better hurry."

Crocodile cursed loudly. "Fuck! You are such a tease!"

Laughing Vivi stood and gathered his coat and briefcase as Crocodile leaned back in his chair and groaned.

"Now I'm going to spend the whole damn lunch thinking about you, you little minx."

Vivi laughed again as he stood, before handing him his coat and case. He got ready and she pulled him into another soft kiss.

As they pulled apart she giggled and said, "You better hurry back then."

Crocodile gave a gravelly chuckle as well, before giving her a sharp smack on the arse. "That's for ruining my lunch."

As he swept out of the office, Vivi could have sworn she heard him mutter, "Jesus Christ."

And then she was alone.

Her heart pounded with lingering pleasure from his touch and more than a little anticipation. Vivi very slowly turned her gaze to the desk; reluctant to believe it could have been so easy. Crocodile had forgotten the key.

As soon as Vivi was sure Crocodile was well out of the way, she snatched up the key and stuffed it in her pocket, before hurriedly scuttling off for her own lunch break. However, she had no intention of eating. Crocodile would be gone for an hour, an hour and a half tops. If she skipped eating, she would have just enough time… Vivi walked as fast as she could go without attracting attention as she left the building and headed towards the nearest shopping district. After twenty minutes power walking it felt like her lungs were going to burst, but she finally found what she was looking for. A grubby little shoe repair store with a small sign in the window that claimed they also cut keys. She walked into the store and went up to the counter. A handsome young man looked up and smiled at her.

"Hi, can I help you?"

Vivi gave him her most winsome smile in return, and was pleased when his eyes warmed a little.

"Hi! Yes, I'm in big trouble I'm afraid. My boss gave me a spare key to the filing cabinet so I could stay late tonight and help organise all the paperwork. But I lost it."

Vivi let some genuine distress colour her tone, and made her eyes as beseeching as possible.

"I know you're really busy, but can you help me? I managed to get a hold of his copy, but he's back from lunch soon and he'll kill me if he realises."

The man looked a little unsure for a moment, probably thinking about the long line of people who were already on the waiting list. But after giving Vivi's body a slow scan he broke into a smile.

"Let's see what we can do."

Fifty minutes later Vivi arrived back at the office. She was certain she was about to have a heart attack from all the cardio, but it had already been more than an hour and she was running out of time. Without attracting attention she scurried up to her desk, and after furtively checking that no one was watching, slipped into Crocodile's office. He was still out, but there was no telling how long that would last. Heart pounding, Vivi placed the key quietly back onto his desk, before slipping back out again. As she sat at her own desk, her heart was beating so loudly it made her head throb. She spent a long moment trying to calm herself. When her breathing was back under control she slipped her hand into her bag and touched the scrap of metal hidden in the side pocket.

She had done it.

Vivi put her bag away and allowed herself a small, secret smile. She was starving, and her feet were killing her, but none of that mattered. She was half way to getting what she needed to save her company.

Even as she thought that, Crocodile swept into view like a predator on the hunt. Vivi almost choked on her own spit in fright. Oh god, what if he noticed. What if he had a camera set up and saw the whole thing? What if the key man was a spy? Oh god. Oh god. As he moved past her desk, Crocodile made an imperious gesture at her, summoning her into his office. Vivi wanted to run while she still could. Reluctantly she forced herself to follow him into his office, nearly certain that her cover was blown. Instantly Crocodile saw the key sitting on his desk. He made a displeased noise in the back of his throat, before checking the drawer was still locked and pocketing it. Then he sat in his big desk chair and gave Vivi a long, assessing look.

"Well? Aren't you going to comfort me after such a dull meeting."

His tone was amused, and Vivi nearly melted with relief and a hint of unwelcome affection. The heady mix of emotion made her more than willing to slip into the easy banter that they had always shared.

"Aww, darling." Her voice was saccharine sweet and sarcastic. "I'm sure lunch in one of the top restaurants in the city was just horrible."

Vivi walked over to him, with an extra sway in her hips, revelling in the way his eyes drooped as they swept down her body. She boldly sat in his lap and trailed her fingers down his muscular chest.

In the same tone she said, "Why don't you tell me all about it."

Crocodile gave her a wicked smile and popped something into her cleavage, careful the give her ample chest a lingering caress that made Vivi gasp. Frowning, the young woman pulled the thing from her shirt and examined it. It was a voice recorder.

Smugly Crocodile said, "I don't have to. I want that meeting transcribed and on my desk by two."

"Two?!" Vivi shrieked and Crocodile's smile widened in amusement.

It was already twenty past one. Vivi cleared her throat and struggled to conceal her delight at their bickering. Switching back into her role as a sickly sweet temptress, Vivi kept up the teasing. She adjusted his tie, running her hands up and down his chest in a way that she knew would push his buttons, batting her eyelashes winningly.

"But sir, I'm not going to be able to concentrate knowing such a big, strong man is sitting right here."

Crocodile laughed, but his eyes still darkened with lust.

"Half two then. Now beat it."

Vivi obliged.

Back at her desk Vivi finally relaxed. Her lips curved into a secretive smile. 'I did it.'

That's all for now folks. Sorry again for the wait, hopefully it was action packed enough to make up for it. There's two chapters left (or that's the plan anyway!) so I'm hoping to wrap this up soon. Leave a review and let me know what you think!