Before the story A/N!

Hello everyone, not long after I last updated? Well turns out that I'm not that busy today- never mind the fact that I have to study for three mid-terms. But this chapter was already written so I actually don't have to do much. Anyway I was going to update Saturday like I usually do but I'm pretty excited for this chapter... you'll see why! Also chapter eleven will probably be uploaded Saturday, Sunday, or Monday! And now do enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Bright sun warmed the back of Tessa's head as she stared at the Valentines Day store. It was yearly, meaning that the store sold Valentines day items all year long. Two years ago when Tessa had this unimportant boyfriend, she came to that store, in May. She was able to get everything that a regular store carried on Valentines day and the days leading up to it.

In the window, on the right side, were two mannequins both sporting red and pink clothes festooned with hearts. Yes they even sold clothes there. It was like a Valentines day dollar store. On the other side, in the store front window, were bouquets upon bouquets of flowers. In every sort of vibrant color you could think of and any type of flower you could think of. But of course roses, and the colors red and pink, were the stars, therefore, more than half of the flowers were that color and half of them roses. On the door there was a big sign with the stores name. Intimate Desires. Cliche`, yet Tessa went in.

Upon walking in she immediately smelled a mixture of flowers, chocolate, sweet candy, and perfume. All those things were scattered around. On shelves, hanging, and posted up on tables. After walking around for a few minutes she saw a section called Adults Only. It was closed off by a fake vine covered white gate. Tessa decided to amuse herself investigate the lousy section and found herself in a area that reminded her of a strip club.

There was one wall with two shelves and on it were adult movies, classified by the topics they were. And then on another wall were toys. Tessa found herself about to turn away, disgusted regretting that she came in, when she saw a few racks of lingerie. After a moments hesitation she decided to go over to them.

As she pawed through them she started to think. Her and Sebastian had not had sex yet. The last time was back in college. So maybe it could happen on the night of Valentines day. Why not do it then? Maybe she could find some candles here, get rose petals. She could go all out. But suddenly it wasn't Sebastian who was in her head but Will. She was then not thinking of "doing it" with Sebastian but with Will. He was the one staring down at her, his name was the one she was screaming. You'd think after a whole three weeks of dating Sebastian that she would give up on Will. However, seeing him at work did not help her. Instantly Tessa was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard someone talk, at her.

"Mm, I never thought I'd see you here. Hell, Tessa, I did not even know you had a significant other." Rebecca stood next to her, Tessa didn't know how she got there but she was standing next to her. Red stilettos, knee-length skin tight dress, and strawberry blonde hair in a bun. She held a pink box that said something french. It was the size of a box that was big enough to hold knee-high boots.

"Well that's because I don't tell you personal stuff. But yes I have a boyfriend." That's none of your business, Tessa wanted to say.

Rebecca pursed her cherry red lips out. She then stuck her pink box out. "This is from the lingerie store on Park Avenue. It's a famous french store. Known for its expensive, yet elegant and seductive, apparel. For the bedroom." Rebecca stated, her chin pointed upward. "I don't expect you to know it. Only the most elite shop there."

Why she was acting like a bitch? Tessa did not even begin to guess know. Maybe she knew about her and Will. But how? Would Will really tell his future wife that he slept with one of his clients? No, that would risk Tessa's job and Will's.

"Its lace, you should see what real lingerie looks like. Not this cheap tacky stuff." Rebecca grabbed a corset-like piece of lingerie and rubbed it in between her french manicured nails. "Eighteen dollars for this." She made a face.

And to me that's a lot, Tessa wanted to say. She felt her face redden with embarrassment. But then she snapped out of it. If she wanted to buy eighteen dollar lingerie then she would. And if the bitch Rebecca wanted to buy hundred dollar lingerie then let her be the stupid one.

"Well spending eighteen dollars on this is better than spending a hundred dollars on the same lingerie. Especially since there's a chance that it will be ruined during sex." Tessa wanted to have a better come back but settled for what she said.

"Your right Will would probably tear this up,' she shook the box, "he's an animal in bed. But you would not know that, of course." Rebecca smiled, although there was something about what she said, almost like she didn't believe that Tessa wouldn't know how Will was in bed.

And then it dawned on her, Tessa forgot about who the lingerie was for. But now she knew, it was for Will. Rebecca and Will were gonna to have sex, hell, they probably were already doing it. They probably did it that morning. Tessa felt sick and like she wanted to die. A hollow feeling crept up inside of her as she thought about Will peeling off Rebecca's clothes.

Then jealousy replaced that feeling and with jealousy came anger. She wanted to call Rebecca all sorts of harmful words, but she bit her tongue.

"I know you have a crush on Will." Rebecca said, moving closer to Tessa. She pointed a finger in Tessa's face. "Stay away from him, don't look at him. You know fraternizing with your boss can have you fired. It can give you a reputation. And not to mention I will ruin your life. So don't even try to seduce him or do whatever sick things are in your head. He's mine and will always be." She threw all those words at Tessa, not hesitating at all.

Of course Rebecca was rarely at work so she never saw Sebastian there, so of course she would not know. Yet didn't Tessa just tell her that she had a boyfriend. For heaven's sake she was buying lingerie for Sebastian.

Tessa then went off and got up in Rebecca's face. "For heaven's sake, can't you see that I'm buying lingerie for my boyfriend. I'm not worried about Will! But of course you smug, self-indulgent, retarded person would not see that. I'm not interested!" Tessa shouted, hoping that she didn't spit while screaming that.

Rebecca threw her head back and laughed, no sincerity in it. The laugh was cold and sent a chill down Tessa's back. "You bitch, I know you slept with Will."

Tessa's face went slack. And all thoughts left her brain. "H-how?"

"You don't think no one was listening on your conversation with Will, after he told you we were engaged. I was listening to it all. I knew I never liked you. From those few brief words." Rebecca narrowed her eyes. "You little slut, make a false move- that could anger me- and I'll ruin your pathetic life." Rebecca then turned and sashayed away.

"You will ruin Will's job too," Tessa said, warily. Surprised that Rebecca heard her.

"I have my ways, so trust me, honey, he will keep his job." She then turned and went to the adult movies. Leaving Tessa stunned and angered. But most of all, leaving her wrecked and feeling horrible inside.

Tessa had decided to eat lunch alone, therefore, no one accompanied her on her trip to the store. So Tessa was left riding in the elevator by herself, slumped against one of the walls. How could she have been this careless? How did she think she would have pulled it off? Tessa was up against a conniving, wealthy, powerful, stone cold witch. Might she add beautiful too.

However, Tessa was taught to fight back when people crossed her. So why didn't she back at the store? Tessa was saved thinking about the question when the elevator doors opened. She walked out into the lobby and smiled at Sophie but did nothing else. She lifelessly walked past her. Concerned Sophie followed Tessa and was about to say something when both women stopped short.

Sebastian stood in the middle of the mazes of cubicles, right in the clearing. He had on a regular business suit but he had a certain light to his face. He was happy, but for what?

Tessa immediately balled up her emotions walked towards Sebastian and stopped suddenly when he started to walk toward her.

"Sebastian what are you doing?" Tessa asked, during the last three weeks Sebastian would come in every other day and bring her stuff. Sometimes chocolate or candy or even flowers. He would do it before he went to his meetings with Will.

Will whom Tessa caught always staring at them will what seemed like jealousy and regret in his eyes. Even when Tessa thought he was not around she felt a pair of eyes always burning holes through her back.

"Tessa Gray," he said and suddenly got down on one knee. He then repeated her name, "Tessa Gray I know we have only been together, again, for three weeks but I feel as though I should do this. Three years ago, Tessie, we were in a deep relationship. A relationship that I feel we are still in. But I regret ever going to Paris. I should have stayed here, right with you. I should have loved you and been here for everything. Maybe our relationship would be different, maybe not. Either way i'm here with you now and I love you. These three weeks have been the best weeks of my life. And I want to spend many more weeks with you, for the rest of my life. So Tessa Gray, will you give me the honor of putting this ring on your finger." He pulled out a box with a ring in it, " will you marry me?'

There was a chorus of aws and ohs, people had gathered around the couple.

It was unbelievable. She was getting proposed to. She should be happy, be delighted. But all Tessa felt was confusion. This was the wrong man, no a blue eyed man should propose to her.

Sure they had a history together, a year. But they had been missing out of each others lives for three years. Tessa had been with only two other guys- minus Will. She graduated, bought an apartment, and was living her life. They had only been together for three weeks- what was with the number three- and here was Sebastian down on one knee. She wasn't even sure of how she felt about him. Sure she felt happy and warm around him, but she could not actually picture her life with Sebastian.

He wasn't in her mental pictures of Tessa having her first child, of Tessa moving into her very own house, of dropping her now two children off at school, of Tessa rocking in a chair with her husband. He wasn't there. She couldn't conjure up anything.

But one reminiscing thought back to the store and Rebecca left Tessa the only choice. She knew she shouldn't do this to Sebastian Tessa was determined to find love with her future fiancee. In plus they had only been rekindling their relationship for ta few weeks.

"Yes," she exclaimed, mustering the biggest smile she could find onto her face. She then forced herself to cry, to make things dramatic and more believable.

Sebastian then slid the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. He then stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up. Kissing her and finally just hugging her. All the while Tessa could feel a certain pair of eyes burning a hole right through the back of her head.

Will stood shell-shocked as he watched the girl he loved wrapped in the arms of Sebastian Verlac. He had just proposed to her and Will felt his world falling down. Everything crumbled down and he was the one to blame.

He should have fought and done something. Changed the rules on the papers, talk to his dad. Anything would suffice. Now Tessa was in another man's arms, happier than ever. Engaged. And the fact was that why would he propose to her so early.

Will knew that they had a past but never really wanted to believe it. He wanted to think that they just met three weeks ago and that it was nothing serious. But apparently it was serious. However, was it serious enough to where Sebastian had to go and propose like that. What was it with people just engaging themselves with someone else, three weeks into a fresh relationship? But who could Will blame when he was just as guilty as Sebastian. But Will had to do it.

The lengths Will would go to, to just hold her in his arms. To kiss and tell her that he loved her. To slip a ring on her finger.

All the jealousy that he had upon seeing Sebastian come and bring her presents and kiss her throughout the three weeks, dissolved into seething anger. But then settled into a sadness. He officially lost the only girl he ever loved.

"It's sweet, isn't it? Another marriage. Probably won't top ours, but I'm sure it will be lovely." Will turned to see Rebecca standing next to him. She carried a big pink box and a red plastic bag. She smiled at him. Sure she was beautiful but she did not top Tessa. Will inwardly sighed.

"What's the matter, sweety? Be happy, I'm leaving in two hours and won't see you until tomorrow night. Valentines night." Rebecca winked.

"Nothing's wrong, I'm happy for them. And that's right, you are leaving." Will said, putting up a front.

"And I still did not pack. So I'm going to give you this," she handed him the red bag, "and this." Rebecca kissed him. A sloppy kiss that left Will feeling sick.

"I'll see you tomorrow, dear." Will said, turning around to go into his office.

"I love you!" Rebecca screamed after Will, blowing him a kiss.

"Love you too," lies, all lies. Will then turned fully around and walked into his office.

An hour later Tessa sat in her office. Sebastian had left. He was supposed to be at Seattle for something, which was why he proposed today.

Tessa stared at her ring, it was a real diamond that was surrounded by real gold. It had intricate designs on the gold and she found it absolutely gorgeous. Such a thing did not belong to her, for the man who gave it to her was not her true love. It was her boss.

Just as Tessa was about to get back to writing her article there was a knock on the door. She told the person to come in and Tatiana appeared. Mr. Herondale's requesting you in his office." Tatiana stared at Tessa's ring and rolled her eyes.

Upon entering she saw Will standing at the entrance of his door. Tessa nearly bumped into him.

"Lock the door, please." He said and Tessa mindlessly obeyed.

Will stepped back and allowed Tessa in. Will sat on the edge of his desk and evaluated Tessa.

"Congratulations," he started.

"Why did you call me here, Will? To tell me yet again that showing affection in public is against a fake contract." Out of jealousy, in the previous weeks, Will had told her that. But Tessa looked it up and proved him wrong.

Will chuckled and said, "no, I am truly happy for you. Despite the hollow feeling in my chest."

"Not my fault Will. As to why you feel that way I don't know. Nor do I care. I thought you'd move on. You know since and you and Rebecca have consummated your relationship."

Consummated? "Me and Rebecca never had sex before. I don't plan on it either." He folded his arms across his chest. " And I did move on. I just feel that Sebastian proposed better than me. I wished I said that to Rebecca."

"Whatever, Will-wait you don't have sex?" So Rebecca was liar, Tessa felt relieved somewhat. Yet she could not use that flimsy lie against Rebecca.

"Relieved much?" Will asked, although it sounded more like a question. He got up and moved closer to Tessa.

It wasn't dangerously close but it was close to being that. Tessa backed up but found her self colliding with the wall.

Will moved closer to her, almost touching her. All laughter disappeared from his face. "I lied, I'm dying inside, Tess. I feel the hollow in my chest because-"

Before Will could say more Tessa touched his chest and meant to push him away. But he caught her hand trapped it in between his own. "Tess," he whispered.

He moved closer to her and his body touched hers. Sending electricity shooting up through her. "Will, we can't do this." Tessa whispered back, yet she didn't make any move to get away from him or push him away. She was mentally trapped.

Will didn't say anything in response. He only lightly touched her lips with his. They were so light that Tessa thought she imagined them, for just a second. Will didn't push his lips harder against hers. Therefore, they were just breathing one another's air. Lips against lips. Tessa closes her eyes and let her lips part open, slightly. Her walls were crumbling. She forgot about Rebecca's threat, forgot about Sebastian's ring, and forgot about that stupid contract that forbid them to do this thing.

It might have seemed weird that Will and Tessa's lips were pressed up against one another's and not moving, but it made sense to them. After a moment Tessa made a bold move to un-tuck Will's buttoned shirt. She slid her fingers up his sculpted abs and to his chest. By now their lips no longer touched. They were now inches from one another. Blue eyes crashed with gray ones. Tessa watched him, measuring him. Unsure of how he felt about this. But once she touched his skin he sucked in a breath and she knew it was a positive feeling.

Tessa then un-tied his tie and soon began to unfasten the buttons of his shirt until it hung open and showed his beautiful torso. It was like the David that Michelangelo sculpted. Perfection. Will sighed and slowly moved his capable hands down to her hips, there he gripped them and picked her up. She immediately wrapped her legs around his waist, they were still not kissing.

Will roughly sat her on his desk and now he stood in between her legs. Tessa then bent her head and kiss Will's chest. She kissed where Will's black tattoos were. All the while looking up at him.

He then could not take it and slid his hands into her hair, tipping her head back. He tipped it back until he felt that he had a good patch of her naked neck. And then he kissed the smooth skin there. Tessa wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, pulling him closer. Then his tongue jutted out and her was now sucking her sensitive skin. Tessa braced herself on the desk by placing one hand on the edge, the other was on his bare skin, on his back.

He then suckled on a overly-sensitive area on her neck. Making her squirm and then moan. And then she raked her nails across his back. This made him react.

After more moaning and kissing Will looked up at Tessa and she looked at him. There was a moments hesitation before Will wiped everything off his desk, relieved soon after that his Mac book was not on it.

Once making sure that nothing that was left on it, Will moved his hands to her waist and quickly lay her on her back. He climbed over her and watched as her hair splayed across the desk. Her breathing became quick and her chest rose and fell rapidly. After one more second of looking at one another their lips collided. Leaving them both feeling pleasure flow through their bodies.

Pre A/N

Alright so I realize now that I am one to just get people engaged to so quickly. Like Frozen. *Nervously smiles* But in my defense that needed to happen to get a little drama mixed in. *Laughs and walks away fast*

Real A/N

So what about Rebecca? Thinks she's a real threat? Or is she just saying that? Or what about Sebastian's engagement? Too early? Maybe yes, Maybe not. Or what about Will and Tessa's steamy scene? Think it'll lead to something in the next chapter? Tell me what you think.

Thank you guys for the lovely reviews in the previous chapters! Love the fact that you guys are interested!

Short author's note, hope you guys enjoyed the chapter.

Until next time

-Lotr17