Yeah yeah. I know you hate me because I've been focusing on Forbidden. Now I'm stuck on that and I've just read this book that has inspired me to continue this one. There is some intense scenes coming up and I'm advising you to buckle your seatbelts. Don't say I didn't warn you. Please do not forget to review and tell me what you think. I've got nothing else to say except:
Chapter 14:
Tomoyo was sprawled on her bed, her laptop open on her lap. She was reading an article furiously in it.
'Li Syaoran, 20, is the youngest CEO in the world today. Speculations have risen as to whether this handsome young man will be able to handle the workload that tycoons (double his age) have perfected over the years. As the favored grandson of hotel tycoon, Li Kellen, this young achiever had dropped out of school to take over his grandfather's business when the old man was admitted to Chiang Chen Hospital after a heart attack. Without a degree and any experience, Li Syaoran was predicted to be a failure and Li Kellen lost credibility even among his own employees when he appointed his own flesh and blood to be CEO.
However, when Li Hotels won several accolades and achievements in The International Hotel Awards of that year under the regime and management of the 20-year old, it seemed as if the whole community has been struck dumb at the prowess and skill that Li Syaoran has shown. People are awestruck at being proved wrong…'
She stopped reading. She clicked another tab and read another article, this one being about Li Kellen.
'Li Kellen, hotel tycoon and owner of Li Hotels, has been admitted to Chiang Chen Hospital after suffering from a heart attack just this morning at his mansion. His grandson, Li Syaoran, has taken over the vacant CEO position temporarily until Li Kellen has fully recovered from this mishap.'
There was a video on Youtube about a commercial that starred both Syaoran and Sakura. It garnered a lot of attention because it was the first time that the CEO has consented to be in a commercial. Now everybody is trying to find out who the leading lady is. She groaned inwardly as she closed the article and opened another one.
'Rumours are abounding as to whether Li Syaoran is truly the heir of Li Hotels when one of our correspondents have unearthed information regarding other living relatives of the hotel tycoon. Maybe the old man was wrong to entrust his entire fortune to his ONLY grandson when public records show that there is a particular Kinomoto Sakura residing in the States.
Kinomoto Sakura is the 18-year old daughter of Fujitaka Kinomoto and late Nadeshiko Li. She lives with her stepmother, Josephine Hall in the United States. Sources say that the sudden marriage between her biological parents has urged the hotel tycoon to end his relationship with his late daughter.
So, is Li Syaoran really the man for the CEO position when there is probably another cousin out there who has dibs on the position? Hang on and let's find out more—'
She stopped reading.
Sakura… How can you do this?
She closed her laptop without even bothering to turn it off and rested her head against the pillows. She just couldn't believe what she had found out so far about Sakura and Syaoran.
It has been a week when she first talked to Li Kellen and she hasn't confronted Sakura or Syaoran nor told Eriol about it. It was too big of a secret and she didn't know how to open up about it. No doubts Eriol would have a fit, not even counting Nuri. The two guys were very protective about Sakura, seeing her as their own sister. Mei Lin would probably hang Syaoran upside down and light him on fire when she finds out the truth.
Those two are committing incest and they have the guts to be open about it!
She was also confused as to what to feel about this new development. Sakura rarely kept secrets from her and Mei Lin but this one was something she should have known.
But we were bound to know sooner or later, she argued with herself. Syaoran is certainly a famous celebrity and they can't hide this relationship forever.
Now the question is: am I going to talk to Sakura about this?
She gave a huge sigh and closed her eyes.
If the press finds out that Syaoran is seeing a girl and they are going to find out, everyone would know that its Sakura and then there'll be investigations and with this incest thing, the press will have a field day!
This is a lot of trouble and she was getting madder at the second at the two. They haven't thought about the consequences of their actions and kissing in parking lots and cafés. They got lucky that even if Syaoran is really famous and a bigshot CEO, there were no paparazzi hounding him. How sure can you be, Tomoyo. Papparazi are like mushrooms. They just appear out of nowhere and surprise you.
She turned over and buried her head in her pillows. She wanted to confront Sakura but she didn't know how to start. This would probably end in a really big fight but she didn't want that.
She grabbed her laptop again and opened the lid, she scrolled to another article, this one from a magazine that deals with gossip and rumors.
Li Syaoran, once rumored to be the boyfriend of celebrated Interior Designer Fye D. Flowright has just confirmed his gender. HE IS NOT GAY, or so he says. Although this revelation has truly warmed the hearts of all the girls here in Japan, the rumors that he is a closeted gay cannot be truly squashed until we see him with another girl.
As of now, our correspondents are working hard on stalking the young CEO to truly prove whether our theory of him being gay is true. Recently, our young prince was claimed to have visited the wonderful islands of the Philippines. His companions, however, are unconfirmed identities. We were unable to follow him in the country but rest assured, our stalking knows no boundaries and when it comes to the young CEO, we will not stop.
Tomoyo groaned aloud. There! Exactly what she was talking about! Sooner or later there'll be paparazzi hounding Sakura into their own flat.
"Tomoyo? Dinner is ready." Sakura called out from her closed bedroom door. It was a good thing though. It snapped her out of her reverie.
"Okay! Will be right out!" She called to her best friend. Closing her laptop once again, she got off the bed and put on her fluffy purple bedroom slippers. Switching off the lights on the way, she went out into the kitchen where Sakura was doling out sauce on the pasta. They were eating at the counter since there was a slight drizzle outside.
"What are you groaning on about in there?"
She looked at Sakura's messy hair piled high on top of her head. Dressed in girl boxer shorts, her oversized shirt was bunched up around her waist. There was a spot of sauce on her cheek.
How can I get mad at a face like that?
"Nothing. Was just looking for something on the internet." She mumbled as she looked away and tore into her pasta. "This is good by the way."
Sakura shrugged as she deposited the dirty pots and pans into the dishwasher and slumped next to Tomoyo. It's been a week since they moved in and they were getting the hang of living together. It was okay though. Eriol visits almost every day but Syaoran hasn't been in since they moved in.
"I tried to add more tomatoes. We have a few overripe ones. It would be a waste to throw them away." Sakura answered.
Tomoyo's mind was as cluttered as her plate. The pasta noodles tangled up in the sauce. Should she confront Sakura about it now?
"I don't have classes tomorrow and Syaoran might drop by. I'm telling you so you won't be surprised." Sakura was smirking.
She just nodded.
"Hey… Are you sure you're okay?"
She looked at her best friend who was lying to her face. She just couldn't bring it to herself to get mad.
"Yes, Sakura. Just a bit under the weather. But I'm fine."
AAA
"I don't know why but Tomoyo is kind of acting weird." Sakura whispered into her phone.
It was almost midnight and she was talking to Syaoran. He was busy with work these days so he hasn't found the time to visit her.
"Maybe she and Eriol had a fight?" Syaoran seems to be a bit distracted. He was sleeping in the office again to cope with the paperwork.
"If they did then she would tell me about it." Sakura sighed. She knew that these past few days, Tomoyo had been preoccupied with something. But she knew that in time, her best friend would share what was troubling to her when she's ready.
"Then just leave her alone. Maybe she has some personal things to clear up. Just give her some time."
"Okay. I'm just not used to it."
"Sakura, love, be patient. Tomoyo will tell you what's wrong when she's ready." Syaoran told her gently.
"I know." She sighed.
"Now is my princess in bed?"
"Yes." She giggled.
"Good. Because I'll be there in the morning so you'd better wake up early to fix me breakfast." Syaoran pretended to scold her. She laughed.
"Sure thing. What would you like?" She asked him. She would prepare anything for her man.
"Just you."
"With syrup?" She said coyly.
"Lots of it." Syaoran growled into her ear.
She giggled again. Syaoran was always being playful with her.
"I miss those laughs." She heard him breathe out.
"I miss you." She said.
"I love you."
"But I love you more." She bit her lower lip.
"Don't make me go there and spank your little butt."
"My butt is not little. But please do so." She said mischievously.
"Ohhh, Sakura. If only I can. But I've got this paperwork I have to finish by tomorrow morning—"
"You don't need to explain. Just be here tomorrow and all will be forgiven." She said. She wasn't mad at him for being busy about work. She knew it was important and she didn't mind.
"Okay. You'd better go to sleep. I love you."
She rolled on her back, the phone tucked in her ear. "I love you too." She whispered.
She waited for the phone call to end but it didn't come and she giggled knowing that Syaoran was still on the other end, "you know… If you don't actually put the phone down you won't be able to finish any work and you might not be able to come here tomorrow."
She heard him sigh. "You're a bossy little thing aren't you?"
Biting her lower lip as she got comfortable on her pillows, "I'm your bossy little thing."
"I love it when you say you're mine." He almost growled.
Fingering the hem of her t-shirt, she let out a breathy moan unintentionally and just sighed.
"Holy fuck." Syaoran's low voice was tight on the other end and she giggled softly into the mouthpiece.
"What?" She asked him innocently.
"Are you trying to give me a hard-on? Really?" He demanded softly.
She pulled the pillows tighter against her and she laughed a bit louder. "No I'm not."
"My dick is in a constant state of erection ever since the last time I've seen you and I cannot handle you moaning in my ear when you're practically in bed in your undies and I'm here at work, love." He said breathlessly and she could just imagine his fingers on the bridge of his nose and his head thrown back on his swivel chair. His shirt must be unbuttoned at the top and his jacket would be off and the little comment about him being priapic was enough to send tendrils of electricity down to the pools of her stomach. She pressed her legs together tightly to stop if from going further.
"I'm sorry…" She pouted.
There was a sharp intake of breath at the other end and she could feel him stressing. There was a bit of silence when-"Moan for me again," she could hear him practically begging.
Smiling to herself, she tucked the phone between her shoulder and chin and let her hands roam on her chest slowly, taking every inch, trying to imagine that it was his hands that were on her skin.
"I need a little bit of help here." She teased him.
She could hear him breathing heavily on the other side and it was making her heart flutter.
"What are you wearing?"
"I would like to say nothing but I'm in my t-shirt and undies." She answered him playfully, mentally smacking herself on the head for not wearing something more seductive.
"You should be in silks and satins, my love." He breathed out. "I think I need to take you shopping.
She giggled, "What's the point if you're just going to take them off again?"
"Fair enough," he answered almost immediately.
"Besides… I like it when your skin is on my skin." She said under her breath, just low enough for him to hear.
"Just 'like'?" He sounded whiny.
"Like… Love… I want you above me with nothing but our skin between us." She licked her upper lip as she took in a deep breath and conjured up the images of Syaoran hovering over her.
"Saku—ra…" he whispered.
"I love it when you kiss me on my neck… Behind my ear… Down my back… Up my shoulders…" She continued as she traced each part of what she was saying with her fingertips, "down to my breasts and under them… Makes me—ticklish."
He was panting now and his breaths have become quicker.
"When you lick my stomach and dip it into my navel oh-so-slowly…" She breathed out. Her legs were rising up from the bed and her hands were on her breasts, kneading them. But she wasn't satisfied. It's not the same.
"Saku—ra…" He whispered again, breathless.
"When you lick me down there? I come undone…" She confessed softly, ignoring his name-calling. She was pretty sure that he was going to make her stop doing this because he was in the office and it was inappropriate but it made her kinky as hell and only for this man would she be like this.
Syaoran let out an almost loud growl as she moaned out his name. She knew she was wet and all she wanted was to touch herself but she didn't want to because she didn't know how to.
"I miss your lips, your hot breath against my thighs, your tongue tracing circles on every inch of my skin…" She continued, her mind a bit hazy.
"Dammit, Sakura." He cursed under his breath as she heard the roll of the swivel chair on the carpeted floor of his office and she knew that he had just stood up.
"Syaoran..." She whispered almost painfully.
"Yes, love?" His answer was clipped and she could hear papers being stacked on some surface and all she could think of was his mouth and his lips and his member twitching and how it filled her to the brim and she squirmed on her too large bed that was empty because he wasn't in it.
"I need you inside me… Please." She begged.
There was about three seconds of silence on the other end of the phone and she sighed in relief as he answered, "I'm coming."
With that, Syaoran ended the call.
AAA
He drove with the fury of a murderer and it took him less than ten minutes to get from the office to the flat. There was this itch down his pants and his erection was hitting his fly and it just hurt so damn good. Her voice moaning on the phone earlier telling him the things she liked wasn't helping him concentrate. In fact, it just made him harder if possible.
He wheeled right and parked perfectly against the curb. Turning the engine off, he jogged towards the door as he clicked the little button on his keys that locked his car. Up the elevator, his hands were fists inside his pockets and he cursed under his breath for the lift was just so damn slow.
When he was out, he hurried to their front door and he knocked maybe just a little bit too loud. The door opened a second later and his favorite wide-eyed woman was on the other side and she was really in a t-shirt and her legs went on and on and her hair was in the messy bun on top of her head. Her face was flushed and he took the steps between them and crushed his lips against hers, his arms automatically circling her and carrying her just as her legs wrapped around his waist.
The living room was dark and there was just one small light in the kitchen. And he was still kissing her hungrily and he was holding her so close. He kicked the front door closed with his foot as he carried her to the dimly lit countertop and set her down on it. He was still kissing her hurriedly and he was biting her lips maybe a bit harsher than what he expected but he just needed her.
"Tomoyo." He let out in a breath just before he kissed her again and again and his tongue when past her lips and tasted her from within.
"Asleep." Her answer was just as hurried as he was and with that, he took the hem of her shirt and pulled it off her. His hands were immediately on her breasts and she was moaning louder and he was worried that Tomoyo would wake up and hear.
Please don't wake up. Please don't. He begged to all the gods because he didn't want to stop.
He pulled back from his assault on her lips as he hurriedly pulled off his shirt, popping off a few buttons but he didn't care. All he could think of was skin. He needed to feel her skin, against him. And he looked at his woman.
The dim light illuminated her from behind and she was panting while her shoulders heaved. Her legs were one on top of the other and her arm was covering her breasts. She was squirming on the edge of the counter top and he just couldn't wait to be inside her. The height of the counter was just perfect. It wasn't too high and it wasn't too low either. It was just right for all the thrusting he was about to pound into her later. He was so frustrated that she was teasing him earlier.
With fingers flying, he unbuckled his belt and pulled down his pants along with his boxers and stepped out of them. Completely naked in front of her, he breathed a sigh of relief as he stroked himself a few times and licked his lips in anticipation. She had her hand out to him and her other hand was still on her breasts. She beckoned him to come closer but he stayed a few steps away from her as he methodically stroked himself. He saw her tiny pink tongue went past her lips as she breathed out at the sight of him masturbating in front of her.
"You were teasing me earlier." He growled as his member twitched. He really wanted to dive deep inside her and thrust into her again and again but she was just so damn frustrating.
"I'm sorry…" She breathed out. Her hands were on her nipples, tweaking them into hardened little peaks and he didn't think it was possible to get even harder. He stroked himself slowly, trying to calm himself down.
"I don't think you're sorry enough." He answered back, almost cruelly.
"Syao—ran… Please…" She moaned softly as she slowly took the lining of her panties on her hips and pulled them down her ankles. Her white cotton panties dropped to the floor in a little heap as her legs continued to dangle from the edge of the counter top. She was so small that her feet didn't even touch the floor.
"Why did you tease me, Sakura?" He was playing it out. If he gave in, he doesn't know if he'll hurt her for being too rough.
"Please… I need to touch you…" She whispered as if she was in pain.
Unable to resist her any longer, went closer but didn't stop stroking himself. When he was right in front of her, her small hands traveled down his chest and down to his abs but he pushed them away before they reached his erection. He wanted to tease her into frustration too.
"Mou, Syaoran… I want to touch you…" She breathed out against his lips. They weren't really kissing, just their lips brushing against hers as he breathed in her moans.
Without a word, he pried her legs apart with one hand and without any preamble, guided himself to her entrance. Once lined up, he had to hold her back because she was meeting him for his expected thrust. But he controlled himself.
"Now please… Now…" She was moaning again and again under her breath as he refused to touch any part of her except the back of her left knee that he was holding up.
Slowly, excruciatingly, he slipped past her nether lips so his tip disappeared inside her and he stopped. It took almost all of his self-control not to pound her into oblivion.
With his other hand, he put her arms around his neck and growled, "don't let go," as he hooked her left leg up on the crease of his elbow and slowly, painfully, pulled back and pushed in again. Just an inch.
She was squirming and breathing heavily a few seconds into his little charade. He knew that she wanted all of him inside her and he wanted the same thing but he wasn't going to give in yet. At such a slow pace that didn't give either of them the satisfaction they both need, he continued to thrust inside her, just the tip and he could feel her getting wetter and wetter each second.
Her hands had slid from his neck to his lower back and her fingernails were digging into his skin as she pulled him closer and faster, trying to dictate him into what speed she wanted his thrusts to be. Grateful for his self-control, he dropped his mouth beside her ear just as she bit him hard on the shoulder and raked her nails across his back.
"Isn't this nice?" He teased as he licked her earlobe.
"Syaoran… PLEASE…" She answered him hurriedly as she once more tried to pull him closer and his member went in another inch. This made them both stop and he groaned in pleasure as she gripped him tight and she moaned his name in his ear.
He didn't move, buried almost halfway inside her and his muscles were tense.
Sakura… Are you frustrated yet?
He let a slow sexy smile light up his face as he kissed her hungrily again, his teeth biting her lower lip and he was careful not to draw out blood.
"Isn't it?" He asked again as he looked down at her eyes and they were heavily-lidded and her breaths were coming out in gasps. There were tears in her eyes and she bit her lower lip.
"Syao, please. I need all of you." She whimpered.
And that broke him. Wiping away her tears from her cheeks with his thumbs, he held her face as he thrust into her immediately and buried himself to the hilt.
He breathed out a sigh of relief just as he heard Sakura do the same. He held her by her lower back and he took her lips again.
"On your back," He instructed her almost menacingly and with one hand, he pushed her on the cold countertop until she was sprawled on top of it, her legs around his waist.
Reveling in the sight before him, he held both her legs and started to slowly pull back.
"This is going to be fast." He said, trying to be softer.
She nodded frantically. They both needed this.
Without waiting for another breath, he thrust inside her fully and she rocked against him on the counter top as he relentlessly pounded into her, all his frustration poured into every thrust.
It was fast and quick and he wasn't going to be stopping soon. She met his every thrust and he knew that his roughness probably hurt her but all he really needed now was feel.
About to cum, he grabbed her hands and without slowing down his pace, he pulled her up so she was once against sitting but still angled just right with her breasts in his face and he suckled them almost harshly.
"Saku—ra." He grunted once.
He looked at her and her head was thrown back, her mouth in a small 'O'. Her moans were caught in her throat and her breasts bounced with every thrust he made. This was probably the roughest he'd been to her. Rougher than that time when he had her pinned against the wall. Rougher than ever.
"Syao! Please!" She gasped. He knew that she was nearly there. And he wanted to be there with her.
"Come. With. Me." He gasped too as he pounded into her even faster.
Her insides clenched and even when he knew that was in the middle of her climax and she was milking him for every drop, he didn't stop pumping. He only slowed down a bit and he rode out the waves with her.
Completely spent, he finally stopped deep inside her and he held her limp body in his arms. Her head was tucked on his shoulder and her breathing was slowly going back to normal.
"You okay?" He whispered as he put her legs down and rubbed some warmth on her shoulders slowly. He was suddenly tired.
"You are… A freight train." She whispered softly.
He chuckled. "That's what you get for teasing me." He held her by the small of her back even though his knees felt like jelly and he wanted to lie down. He was still buried deep inside her and he didn't want to go just yet.
She just answered him with a sigh and her arms went up his shoulders and around his neck. "Tired, baby?" He said softly.
She just nodded.
Taking her in his arms, he was still inside her when he walked past the living room and nudged her bedroom door open. Getting on the bed was a feat as he managed not to withdraw from her silken depths.
"You're still inside me…" She breathed out. Her eyelids were half-closed and he knew that she was going to fall asleep any moment. "Do you want another round?" She whispered.
With enormous effort, he pulled out of her with a small pop that made her giggle and him kiss her softly again and again. "I do actually. But I don't think you're up for it." He said.
"Ohhh… Bring it on." She tried to hug him closer but her arms were limp beside her and he chuckled some more.
"Wait here. I need to get our clothes outside." He whispered. Kissing her sensually on the lips with Sakura responding slightly sluggishly, he got off her and went back outside to the dimly lit kitchen.
He picked up all their clothes and tucked them under his arm. Glancing over at the counter, he could see a small puddle of the evidence of their lovemaking and he bit his lower lip amusedly. Taking his shirt in one hand, he wiped the evidence away. Probably not hygienic anymore but this will have to do for now.
He looked over at the crack of Tomoyo's bedroom door and the light was still off. He was sure that Tomoyo was wide awake after all of Sakura's moaning and didn't want her sneaking a peek and seeing him naked so he hurried off back to Sakura's bedroom. He closed the door behind him and dropped the clothes in the hamper beside her closet.
He looked back at his woman who was curled up on her bed, her mouth slightly open and her eyes resolutely closed. He grinned in satisfaction as he got into bed with her and pulled the covers over both of them.
They were both naked. Sakura was right about not needing anything between them but just skin.
Pulling her closer towards him so her backside was against his chest, he buried his face in her hair and breathed deeply. Still with a lazy grin on his face, he pulled her tight in his arms and drifted off to sleep.
AAA
Due to his body clock, he was up at 6am and the sun was like a naughty child, refusing to come out. Still, he was wide-awake even though he knew that he needed a lot more sleep.
He stroked Sakura's hair away from her forehead. She was sprawled on top of him and that was why his chest felt heavy. Her eyes were peacefully closed and he brushed his lips against her lashes.
And what she did next made him almost choke in laughter.
She snored.
I love it.
He grinned as he watched her face and waited for the next one.
Sure enough, it was there. He bit his tongue to keep himself from laughing and he slowly lifted her off his chest. Shifting his weight, he moved sideways so Sakura was now on her stomach and she was still snoring softly. It mostly was just heavy breathing but he could hear this soft rumble at the back of her throat and he chuckled softly to himself as he ran his fingers down her smooth back and pulled the covers to cover her butt.
Sitting upright, he stretched his arms over his head and got up on his feet. Looking back at her sleeping form, he opened the closet and grabbed a pair of boxers and a plain shirt. It was a good idea to bring over some of his clothes too when they moved in. Pulling them on, he went outside the bedroom and closed the door softly behind him.
He thought of what to make for breakfast while he brushed his teeth with Sakura's toothbrush. Rinsing his mouth, he wiped himself clean with the pink towel he presumed to be hers and proceeded to the kitchen.
He smiled fondly at the countertop as he recalled last night's events and wiped the previous spot with a spray of disinfectant and cloth. Now that it was disinfected, he could proceed with breakfast. But before he could actually cook anything, he put enough coffee on for all of them, sure that Eriol was coming round in a bit.
Pulling out what he needed from the cupboards and proceeded to work, his bare feet on the kitchen were soundless as he shuffled around.
"Did you clean the counter?"
He spun around at Tomoyo's voice and he grinned mischievously. "Sorry about last night." Nope! I'm not sorry at all, "did you get enough sleep?"
Tomoyo shook her head and glared at him savagely. "With the racket you two were making, how can I?"
He raised both of his hands in defeat and waved the spatula with which he was making pancakes around, "I said I'm sorry, alright?" He drawled.
There was a bit of silence before Tomoyo burst into a grin that matched his own. "No you're not, you bastard. I could tell that you had fun last night." Giggling like a maniac, she went inside the bathroom to freshen up.
Still with a grin on his face, he flipped the pan and took out the ones that were ready. Pouring another batch of mix into it, he waited for them to cook.
"Are you making enough for Eriol too?" Tomoyo was back from the bathroom and she was already dressed. Her hair was still in disarray though but she was currently pulling it into a ponytail.
He nodded as he pointed to the coffee that had just finished brewing, "I made some coffee too."
"Oh, thank God." Tomoyo rushed beside him and took out two mugs from the cupboard above her. "Do you want me to pour some for you too?" She asked.
He nodded as he put another batch of cooked pancakes on top of the ones he had earlier. "Yes please."
Taking a sip of the mug that Tomoyo handed to him, he poured the last of the mix into the pan.
"So… Is that what happens when you're completely deprived of sex for a week? You end up on the kitchen counter?" Tomoyo giggled as she perched herself on top of one of the breakfast stools with her coffee.
He laughed, "Would you believe it that Sakura was teasing me on the phone? I wasn't supposed to come here until this morning but your best friend seduced me last night." He explained, amusement in his voice.
"Oh I could totally hear you having sex on the phone last night even before you abruptly knocked on our door." Tomoyo's face was smug and he couldn't help laughing again.
"Sorry you had to hear any of that." He apologized with a small mock bow. Tomoyo just threw a balled up paper napkin at him and he dodged it.
"I don't mind really. It's good that Sakura is finally seeing some action. I've been dying for this day to come, you know?"
He nodded. The guys weren't really that transparent about each other. And he liked that in friends. There weren't any bullshit.
Just then, there was a small beep coming from her bedroom and she hopped off the stool to get her phone. He went back to his cooking and took off the pancakes just in time. Switching off the burners, he placed all the utensils he needed in the sink and washed his hands.
"Mei Lin and Nuri are also coming over. Did you cook enough pancakes for them too?" Tomoyo was back and she was reading a message on her phone.
He stopped in his tracks and looked at the small pile on the plate that he just made. He shook his head, "that was all the mix you had. But I can whip up some more food if you show me what you've got."
Tomoyo giggled. "Nuri would have a fit if he knew that you're cooking for breakfast."
He grinned too as he remembered the guy's comment back when they were in the beach: 'it cooks and lights a fire!'
"Well, I'm at your service today so what would you like for breakfast aside from pancakes?"
Tomoyo pursed her lips, "I think we've got some veggies on the crisper and some noodles too. There might be tofu inside. Just find it." She went towards him in the kitchen and grabbed the coffee pot that was half-full, "I'll put some more coffee on."
He opened the fridge and took out what he needed. Putting them all on the counter, he grabbed the cutting board from Tomoyo who got it out from one of the cupboards. "I hope you guys like stir-fry." He said as he took a knife and cut up the onions.
"Oh don't worry, we eat anything and everything."
AAA
Nuri was looking over the balcony, his elbows on the railing as he took a long drag from his cigarette. They had just finished breakfast and Syaoran's stir-fry was completely gone along with his pancakes. "Man, you've really got to stop impressing the ladies with your cooking because it's making Eriol and I look bad."
He chuckled and shifted Sakura who was on his lap. The table outside only had three chairs and Eriol and Tomoyo were sharing one while Mei Lin lounged on hers. He grasped his coffee and took another sip. Just relaxing like this with friends was something he had never indulged in before.
He knew that he was this uptight asshole at work and everyone was mortified of him. Even Naoko, his assistant, although closest to him than any other employee, still jumped every time he called out her name. At the age of twenty, he had defied the laws of business and had ascended into a position where his word meant the law. But after spending time with Sakura and her friends, he had turned into someone who is more laidback and relaxed. Even his directors have commented on him smiling more than usual and he has taken these compliments to heart.
"Syaoran? Did you hear about the merger between Macquaint and TeleInc?" Eriol asked him suddenly. He turned his attention to Eriol. Sakura had once told him that Eriol was also in business back in the States.
"Yeah, I heard about that. Not too happy about it though." He answered.
Macquaint was one of his business prospects famous for real estate in the Philippines. He had previously considered offering the company some kind of project so he could expand to that country but there were rumours about its impending merger with TeleInc.
"I don't know what they're doing, merging with a telecommunications company. It's rather odd." Eriol murmured as he flipped another page of the newspaper he was reading.
"Why are you guys concerned about it then?" Sakura asked them both.
He looked at his girlfriend who was munching fresh fruit on his lap. He put down his coffee and looked around. Even Nuri was looking at him. "Well, Grandpa—I mean, your Grandpa, had wanted to expand to the Philippines after the deal with Mr. Tseng of Xiao Dan Industries in China has been finalized. Macquaint is the leading real estate business in that country and he was interested in them but I advised against it because they've been making some radical changes about the way they run their business." He explained.
Eriol nodded along with him, "TeleInc is a small telecommunications company there and it's quite odd to see companies of such different natures to merge into one. You would expect Macquaint to make a wiser decision and merge with a company that is more in line with its field."
"So now everybody I know who was hoping to catch Macquaint's eye in business is doubting whether its such a good idea at all and most of them are backing out on deals and projects." He supplied along with Eriol's explanation.
"Even Li Hotels?" Mei Lin asked.
He nodded and Sakura pondered this information.
"Also Hiiragizawa Inc." Eriol added.
Tomoyo speared another slice of apple with her fork and brought it into her mouth. "I think I've heard of this merger from Mom before. Though Daiduji Co. isn't really interested in it. It's such big news in the business industry."
Syaoran sighed. It was a good thing that Eriol had mentioned the merger. It reminded him of work and the pile of papers waiting on his desk.
"You should pay attention to these things too, Sakura. Business Advertising isn't really just about advertising." Eriol answered.
Sakura scoffed, "Hey! I've been in school for a week and you're already on my back about it."
"We all know how lazy you can get." Mei Lin teased.
Sakura stuck her tongue out but was laughing at the same time. "Syaoran would help me with my homework!" She squealed, looking at him.
He chuckled and nodded, "of course I will."
The banter continued but they were all hushed into silence when a cellphone rang.
"I think its mine." Syaoran said as he let Sakura down from his lap gently. Kissing her forehead, he waved to the guys to wait as he entered the living room and went back to Sakura's bedroom. Sure enough, his Blackberry was on the desk and Grandpa was on the screen. Picking it up, he answered with an audible, "Hello?"
"Syaoran? Where are you?" The old man's voice was quite loud and there was a humming of a car.
"Are you out, Grandpa?" He asked. The old man had training sessions in the morning and he couldn't understand what he was doing outside.
"I'm at the office but you aren't here and your assistant—whatshername?"
"Naoko."
"Yeah. That one. Boy, is she cute. You do know how to pick 'em."
"Grandpa… What were you doing in the office?" He ignored the comment about Naoko. He was more concerned as to why his old man was looking for him. He has never done this before.
"I wanted you to take me to Sakura's new place! But don't you worry, I'm already on my way there. Which reminds me, you didn't answer my question, where are you?" The old man was speaking rapidly just as his heart plummeted down to his stomach.
Grandpa is coming. Here?
But Mei Lin and the others are here!
"I'm uhhh…. Uhmmm-" He stammered. If he said that he was there at Sakura's right now, then the old man wouldn't be really surprised but his excuse for being there so early in the day would be what?
If he did say that he was somewhere else, then the old man would get suspicious because there is really nowhere to be at this moment.
"Why are you stammering? Are you hiding something from your old man?"
He gave off a nervous laugh, "of course not. I'm here uhhmmm at Sakura's…" He said feebly, unable to think of any excuse.
"Really? What are you doing there?" Grandpa didn't really sound like he was mad, just curious.
"Uhh… She needed help with her… uhmm… Laptop." He said, spying the sleek Macbook Pro on Sakura's desk.
"Why? What's wrong with it?"
"She uhmm… There was a virus and…" He bit his lip. He didn't know what else to say.
"Did you fix it?"
"Yeah. I just did."
"Well I'm already here downstairs so come and get me." The old man laughed off and ended the call.
He could only look at the phone in his hands and gulped.
Fuck.
AAA
"What do you mean he's here?" Sakura hissed under her breath as Syaoran put on his suit from last night hurriedly. The clothes were all wrinkly from being put into the hamper but he didn't have a choice. His Grandpa would surely be bothered if he saw that Syaoran was in his boxers in Sakura's apartment.
"I mean, he's HERE. Downstairs! Waiting for me to come and get him!" He whispered just as fast so their friends outside in the balcony wouldn't hear them.
"But what about Tomoyo and the others?!" Sakura was panicking and she was wringing her hands and pacing the room with her brow furrowed.
"I don't know! Just… I had to tell him that I was here to fix your laptop because you had a virus and that you called for me and just…" He pinched the bridge of his nose, unable to process what is really happening. He buckled his belt and slipped on his shoes.
"Just tell Tomoyo and the others to go with the flow and that we will explain everything to them later." He whispered before holding Sakura's face in his hands. "I love you. I love you so much. Just don't act weird and calm down." He said before he kissed her.
He knew Sakura was in shock and she didn't really know what to do. He was in shock too and he was panicking deep inside but if he lost it, Sakura would too.
Before the kiss could turn into anything more, he let go of her and pushed her out of the bedroom. "Go tell Tomoyo and the others. I'll go get Grandpa downstairs."
Hurrying off to the front door, he sneaked a backward glance at Sakura who was looking at her with this defeated expression.
"Go." He mouthed before he went out the door and pushed the button for the elevator.
Please don't fuck up. Please don't fuck up.
It was all he could tell himself.
The reality that Sakura is his cousin has all been pushed at the back of his mind and with the freedom they now had to be together, it was easily forgotten. But here was reality, biting him in the ass, telling him that it was time to face the consequences of his actions.
Oh Kami, help me.
BBB
I know you guys really hate me for giving you this super-duper late chapter and I know that I have no excuses but will you please give me some reviews to keep me going? Please? Thanks!