Unwanted Marriage business or pleasure?

by daftpunkress

This is a Nel and Nnoitra A/U. Nel's father is retiring, he hires Nnoitra to take over and sparks start to fly!

A/N: This is an AU featuring Neliel and Nnoitra This was something on for a while and finally got around to finishing it. it does have some coarse language and adult content.

A/N: I don't currently have a beta-er so there might be some errors just pretend they are not there ^_^;;

A/N: I do not own any characters or bleach they belong to Kubo Tite.

---

Neliel half listened as her father introduced the two men who had followed him into the conference room. They were a father and son duo from a rival manufacturing company. They were working on a joint merger that would be prosperous for both companies.

She had long given up trying to understand the workings of the business world, only paying enough attention to get by and earn her paycheck. She wished that her father would find someone to take over for him so she wouldn't have to spend the rest of her life in a boardroom. She wanted to go travelling and see the world, something she hadn't been able to do because she was always at work.

"Nnoitra will be taking over as the acting senior director for the time being." Her father indicated the younger of the two men and continued talking. Nel took that moment to fully scrutinize him.

He was tall and thin, but not too lanky he had the muscular lithe build of a swimmer. He had very sharp features, his nose was straight and narrow, and his lips were thin but generously wide. But that's not what she noticed first; his left eye was covered by an eye patch. He looked kind of dangerous and mysterious, like a bad boy.

"Neliel…?" her father's voice snapped her out of her blatant staring.

"Um, sorry what was that?" she chanced another glance in his direction and caught the slight tilt of his lips.

"Will you show Nnoitra to his new office? Mr. Gilga and I will continue this meeting in private." Her father said with a nervous chuckle.

"Yea sure." She rose from her seat and pulled down the hem of her black skirt. "Shall we?" she opened the door and waited for him to exit before she followed him out. It was silent as she led him towards the end of the hall to her father's old office.

"Well here we are, if you need anything my office is next door." He definitely must have caught her staring at him and knowing that made it awkward being in the room alone with him.

"I doubt I will, Ms. Tu Oderschvank." He walked around the large office then stood by the ceiling to floor window. "Are you still here?" he asked without turning to face her.

"I'm leaving." She answered and closed the door behind her. What a rude and arrogant man, what was her father thinking putting him in charge?

Nel made her way to her office and slumped down in one of the seats in front of her desk. She could already see that this was not going to go well. She just hoped that things wouldn't change too much now that her father was shifting some of the power—.

Nel bolted from her seat, her father was the acting CEO and the senior director, did this mean that he was going to be grooming Nnoitra to take over for him? If so, she could finally fulfil her dreams of travelling abroad and beginning a foreign love affair.

A smile came to her lips as she once again lazed back in her seat. If that's the case, then she would do all that she could to make it work out.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nel took a deep breath mustering up the courage she needed to face him, he had only been there a week and already she had been reduced to nothing more than an errand girl. What she really wanted to do was march in there and lay down the law to him. After all she was the daughter of the company CEO, she deserved respect! But what she really was going to do was meekly ask him to allow her to move to another branch where she could feel useful.

Still it warranted a deep breath and a mental pat on the back for encouragement. She knocked once and waited for his curt answer. "Come in." he answered tersely. She could imagine him behind his desk his eyes staring blankly at the computer screen

She walked in with what she hoped looked like firmness in her facial features.

"What do you want?" he asked his tone, as always, clipped. She didn't know why she even bothered; he spoke the same way to everyone.

"Do you think it would be possible-" she paused as his features darkened, "what I mean is-" she faltered again and rubbed at her fingers nervously.

"Well spit it out, I have a lot of work to do." His attention went back to his work and she felt as if he had already dismissed her.

"Um, never mind." She replied and hastily made her exit, she nearly slammed the door behind her.

"You chickened out?" Mina asked glancing up at her flushed face.

"Yeah," she replied with a sigh. "He's so intimidating."

"Maybe he's just frustrated." Mina said with a shrug, "This is a large company, with your father taking leave he has two workloads to deal with."

"I'm sure he can handle it." Nel replied and started for the elevator, "I'm going to take a break." She gave a short wave as Mina turned back to what she was doing.

As she walked down the corridors of the office, she didn't hear the usual chatter from her coworkers. But she knew they were there, the click clatter of keyboards told her they were all diligently typing away.

Her cellphone vibrated in her pocket and she frowned as she tried to figure out whose number it was that populated the screen.

"Yes?" was her rude greeting, maybe it was a telemarketer.

"Ms. Tu Oderschvank." he sounded angry, she sighed softly and rolled her eyes.

"Yes Mr. Gilga?" she answered in her most professional and polite voice she could fake, "What would you like me to do today? Go fetch your coffee, pick-up your dry cleaning? Maybe you would like me to clean your apartment while I'm at it."

The line was silent momentarily before he answered, she wasn't sure if she liked what she heard in his responding tone, "If that will make you happy, do as you wish. I am having you transferred to the accounts department." With that he hung up.

A frown creased her brow as she stared down at the phone in her hand. Accounts? She was a smart girl, but she had no experience in Accounts and so many numbers would drive her crazy. Was he doing this on purpose?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nel stared at the screen blankly, her eyes unable to focus on any particular point. She sighed and got up to stretch her legs, she had pulled her hair back and fastened it with a crystalline clip her mother had gotten her for Christmas.

Her eyes burned and her knees felt stiff, eight hours a day spent staring at a screen with no reprieve, and that was on a good day. Unlike today, which was the deadline for that quarter's figures. It was now almost eight p.m. and she was still there inputting numbers and nodding off as she did so.

For the fifth time that day she poured herself a cup of lukewarm coffee in the break room and then headed back to her desk. She was surprised to find her seat occupied when she returned.

He didn't even look up as she approached, "what are you doing?" she asked. Her pride kept her from thanking him. He was silent as he continued to type away, she felt awkward just standing there with a cup of nasty coffee cradled in her hands while he did her work for her.

"It was imprudent of me to think you could handle something simple as inputting numbers." He finally replied after he was done. He saved the spreadsheet then printed a few copies. She could hear the printer across the room working furiously as if it too was afraid of his wrath.

"I never asked to be transferred here." She replied tensely, she was tired and hungry and he was not making anything better by calling her an idiot.

"Is 'thank you' not a part of your vernacular?" He asked rising from the seat, she only then realized he wasn't wearing his usual uniform of tailored suit and briefcase. Instead he was dressed casually, in white slacks and a black sweater that clung to his surprisingly sleek body.

"What do you want me to thank you for? For putting me in this mess in the first place? You have a real warped sense of gratitude."

With a ragged exhale, he ran a hand through his unkempt hair, "You wanted to be placed somewhere you would feel useful, so I transferred you to a division that you are well qualified for but will still be challenging to your abilities. Is that not what you wanted it?"

Well when he put it that way… She really had just wanted to get away from him. "I don't know what you want me to say." She responded refusing to acknowledge out loud that she was the one who had made her bed so uncomfortably.

His silver eye narrowed as anger flashed across his face, Nel turned away from him to gather the thick stack of spreadsheets. A slight smile came to her lips as she put the copies in the division manager's box. He ruined her comfortable work existence the moment he got there; she wasn't going to feel sorry for him.

After all she never asked him for his help, by the looks of it he had gone home then taken it upon himself to come back to work. "Well I'll see you tomorrow," she managed to sound casual as she gathered her jacket and purse. Nel didn't wait for his reply or turn to see his reaction before she quickly made her escape.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A few weeks had passed since that incident, but it continued to plague her. She could have at least thanked him for his help, her parents had taught her that much. She was now back in her own comfortable office with her own space. If anything, he was colder to her than before. Even though she was trying her hardest to be nice and accommodating, he ignored her efforts.

It served her right actually, she should have tried harder instead of almost immediately giving up and letting her sometimes spiteful attitude take over. Her father seemed in better spirits then she had seen him in sometime and she knew it was because Nnoitra was handling the bulk of the work. She didn't want to be the one who ruined that, so she resolved to try harder.

She was going to be the sweetest person he had ever come in contact with. And that's why she was standing in the elevator with four steaming hot cups of coffee from the expensive specialty café that was a block away.

"Good afternoon Mina." She said with a wide smile, "I thought you might need a pick-me-up!" she placed one of the cups in front of her.

Her jade eyes sparkled, "What's the occasion?" she asked suspiciously as she carefully took a sip of the hot Carmel flavored liquid and sighed.

"No occasion, I was getting something, and I figured it's the least I could do." She flashed her another smile then headed for her father's office.

"Come in." he called after her brief knock.

"I brought you some coffee dad." She set the one marked 'black' down on his desk.

His eyes too sparkled as he looked up at her, "Thanks Sweetheart, I was just about to send Mina out for a cup." He gingerly took a few sips and nodded his head absently as he savored the taste.

Nel just smiled at the content look on his face, somehow he looked younger, jauntier. "And who are those for?"

"Ones for me and the other is for Nnoitra." She answered hesitantly. "I figured I owe him one."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate it." He mentioned absently taking a few more sips of his coffee, "I'm happy to see you guys getting along."

Nel feigned a smile, if only he knew the truth. "Well I'll let you get back to work father, see you tonight."

"Thanks again dear." He said turning back to his work.

Once again, she mustered up her courage as she stood outside Nnoitra's office door.

"Don't be such a chicken." Mina said behind her with a mischievous tilt to her lips.

Nel ignored her and knocked two times, "Come in." he answered briskly.

As she opened the door she heard a woman's voice, "Nnoitra don't be so rude." Her voice was melodic but firm. She stood next to him, her fingers gently combing through his long hair, "And how many times did I tell you to cut your hair? It's not professional."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you had company." Nel said as she watched the intimate exchange in front of her. Although the woman looked a bit older than him, she could sense that there was something between them.

Nnoitra shook off the woman's touch and approached her, "What do you want?"

"Well, um I was getting coffee for everyone so um, I got you one. I got the usual." She finished awkwardly aware the other woman's eyes were intently scrutinizing her. A soft floral scent lingered in the room, filling her senses.

Unconsciously she too studied the much shorter woman, she had long ebony hair that flowed behind her in a waterfall. She was dressed casually in a fitted pencil skirt and a rose tinged blouse that clung to her petite body. She wore no jewelry except for the single diamond solitaire on her ring finger. Immediately she tore her eyes away from her and glanced up at Nnoitra.

For a moment surprise and perhaps gratitude flashed across his face, but he didn't thank her. He took the coffee and placed it on his desk. The older woman picked up the cup and took a sip, her face grimaced as she wiped her lipstick from the brim.

"Anything else?" he asked glaring at her.

"Um, no." she could have kicked herself as she let herself out. She hurriedly made her way to her office and sunk down in her chair. What a fool she had made of herself! She only felt like a fool because she had gone there in hopes of mending her broken bridges.

She sighed and buried her head in her arms, she was just taken aback, that was it. She would definitely not look further into it. So what if he was married? He wasn't unattractive per say, it wasn't as if she had expected anything … quickly she derailed that train of thought. No use pondering the 'what ifs. Glancing at her nearly empty desk, she decided to call it an early day. She grabbed her purse leaving the steaming cup of coffee sitting on her desk.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It didn't seem like months had passed but here she was sitting in on a meeting that she really could care less about listening to Nnoitra talk about taking the newly merged company to higher heights. There were no talks about him becoming the new CEO or even taking on more responsibilities.

So although she did her best to be nice and cordial with him it had been for nothing. The last few months had been complete hell working with him. Having to smile and cater to his every whim seemed to be the only thing she did around the office anymore. To top it off he was ungrateful and unnecessarily mean. He treated everyone in the office like they were mindless automatons whose only function was to work and do his bidding.

Production and sales were up almost tenfold, but morale was the lowest it had ever been. No one smiled anymore and everyone was just as agitated as Nnoitra. His father didn't come by often, but he seemed to be the nicer of the two, he at least always had a smile on his face. She wondered if this business merger was a way of unloading Nnoitra's nasty disposition on someone other than himself.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket and she nonchalantly glanced down to see who was calling her. A picture of her mom's smiling face beamed up at her. Her mom never called her while she was at work so it must be urgent.

Everyone paused to look at her as she stood from her seat and made a beeline for the door, Nnoitra completely ignored the interruption continuing on with his presentation. Nel hastily made her way to her office to return her mother's call.

"Hunny are you okay? Your face is red." Her mother was in her office seated behind her desk. "I told you, you should take a break once in a while."

"I'm fine." She wasn't going to say that the color was from embarrassment. After all it was her phone call that made her disrupt the meeting. "What are you doing here?" her mother rarely stepped foot in the office, she was a token trophy wife beautiful, excellently manicured, and always dressed in the latest fashions.

"Well dear, your father thought I should be the one to break the news to you." She glanced down at her hands briefly admiring the perfect French tips.

"You guys are getting a divorce?" that's the first thing that came to her mind, otherwise why would her mother seem so distraught? They always looked so happy together and she had never once seen them fight.

"What? Heavens no." her mother giggled prettily, "of course not dear. Your father knows exactly who butters his bread." Neliel laughed along with her although she was not sure exactly what her mother meant by that. "Come have a seat."

Neliel tentatively took the seat directly in front of her and waited for her mother to explain, "Well the thing is I think it's time for your father to retire so we can start spending some more time together."

"That's wonderful Mom, I feel the same way."

"Before you go getting excited you have to think of what that means. When your father retires someone will have to take over as CEO, and with this new merger it's going to be doubly hard to adjust." Her smile wavered for a moment and Nel finally realized what she was saying.

"I don't want that kind of responsibility mom, I'm not ready! I don't think I'll be able to handle running the company-" she stopped catching sight of her mother's pained face. "I'm sorry mom." She was being selfish. She was twenty-five years old already, her parents had provided for her all her life, the least she could do is let them enjoy some happiness in their later years.

"It's ok dear, we both know that you aren't ready, but he refuses to sell and place the company in foreign hands."

"What about Nnoitra? Or Mr. Gilga?" as much as she hated to admit it, Nnoitra was very capable and the company was doing so well with him as the director. Surely he would take that skill and apply it globally. After all it was partially their company too.

"Your father has worked very hard to make the company what it is now. Even though Mr. Gilga holds the most shares he is not part of this family and your father wouldn't allow that. Nnoitra has the know-how and would be able to take over for your father but..." she paused trying to find the right words. "If you were to marry him it would make giving up the reigns a lot easier for your father."

Neliel sat in stunned silence as she listened to the words that were coming from her mouth. Maybe they were playing some kind of joke on her. They didn't honestly think she would get married to a man that must be thirty years her senior. "Why do I have to marry him?"

"That way the company stays in the family, plus you are our only child. I would do it, but I'm already married to your father." Her mom smiled at that running one perfectly manicured hand through her blonde hair.

"But he's older than me." He was nice and everything but she could not imagine herself with a man his age. There was no way she would agree to this. Her father would have to wait a few more years to retire while she searched for a man that would be able to take his place.

"Your father is older than me and we have been happy for the last twenty-five years. Now I don't want to hear any more excuses."

"But mom, I want to fall in love. I want to travel and see the world."

"Well after he becomes CEO you won't have to work anymore. You can be like me and do all the traveling you want." She sighed at Nel's saddened face, "I don't understand you dear, he's a decent guy. He's smart and worldly with a good head on his shoulders. He may not be the perfect guy or have perfect features, but he-he'll definitely be able to take care of you. You can't be hung up on physical appearance Hun, you have to think about your future."

"But I hardly know him." She felt like a child throwing a tantrum trying to get her way. She wanted her parents to be happy but was she willing to sacrifice her own happiness for them?

"If it makes you feel better I will tell your father to make it in name only. You won't have to produce an heir and if you really cannot endure it you can always get an annulment. Please, just consider it for me. We aren't getting any younger and I would like to have more memories of us together than apart." Her mother gave her a brief hug and kissed her on the forehead. "Whatever you decide we'll work something out." With that she walked out closing the door quietly behind her.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nel had been thinking about the strange conversation she and her mother had all day, she didn't know wat to think. How could she expected to just marry some man she had only ever spoken twice to?

Nnoitra stood in the doorway a frown on his lips, "What are you still doing here?" he asked. She didn't realize it was already so late. Most of the lights on that floor were off just hers and the main receptionist desk were illuminated.

"I don't suppose you heard the news." She muttered, ignoring his question.

"is there a reason you are being vague? Contrary to your beliefs I'm not a mind reader." He replied suddenly looking as if he regretted checking up on her.

"never mind" She said with a scowl.

"Is this about getting married?" he asked closing the door behind him.

She nodded looking down at her neat desk, so he already knew, he didn't seem as upset as she was. Maybe he was unaffected because his own marriage started that way? She knew most people didn't marry for love but wealth. She just hadn't expected her fate would be the same.

"If it will be too uncomfortable you can always resign." He ventured cutting into her thoughts. "there would be no reason for you to continue working."

"Why would I have to quit?" she asked suddenly angry and not really sure why. She wasn't the one that wanted to get married, and anyways his father didn't even work there! Maybe he was trying to save himself the embarrassment of working with his new stepmother?

"It doesn't matter either way to me, I know the difference between personal and business." He sighed uncrossing his long arms, "It will be better this way, it won't be as horrible as you think."

She laughed somewhat bitterly, "Are you speaking from experience? You don't seem like you are content."

He was silent for a moment then he replied, "I'm not at the moment, but hopefully this union will be beneficial to both of us."

Nel rolled her eyes, of course it will be beneficial to him. The company would no doubt default to him since his father was at retirement age. There was no benefit for her at all, "I highly doubt it." she mumbled not caring if he heard her or not.

"Excuse me?" he asked.

"Nothing, its late. I'm leaving." She got up grabbing her coat and purse. "I don't want to hear anything else about it."

For a moment he seemed like he wanted to add something, "Alright I will not mention it again." With that he turned and walked out.

This was the first time after a conversation with him, she felt she saw a glimpse of his human side. He hadn't been sure of his words as he always was. That surprised her and made her feel a bit apprehensive about this whole fiasco. He said it wouldn't be too bad, but he couldn't even pretend that he believed it.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nel watched behind the large one-way mirror of the conference hall as everyone filled the room. Her father and his lawyer, Nnoitra his father and their lawyer all took their seats. "okay shall we get started?" her father asked after a few moments of silence.

"Aren't we missing someone?" Mr. Gilga asked glancing at the empty seat next to her father.

"We don't need her for this, she signed all the necessary paperwork with both of our lawyers present."

"As much to be expected by such an imprudent woman." Nnoitra grumbled.

Her father laughed nervously and glanced at the older Gilga, "she had an important business meeting that couldn't be cancelled."

Her poor father, he wasn't good at lying at all. But she was a coward she didn't want to have to face any of them while she signed her life away to a man that was old enough to be her father.

"Well let's get on with it, we are all busy people here." Mr. Gilga answered.

He was okay for an older man; he was an older chubbier version of Nnoitra with silver hair that was cut close to his head. The only good thing was the fact that she wouldn't have to sleep with him. It would just be a marriage in name only. After a few years she would get a divorce and find a real husband.

She watched quietly as everyone was handed varying stacks of paper and each one began to sign. She didn't know why Nnoitra was present, maybe because she would become his stepmother and the company shares that would be his would now be partially hers? He must be angry because technically she would now be his boss and he wouldn't be able to order her around anymore.

But like everything else nothing seemed to affect him, he briefly skimmed each page before signing at the bottom. It was going to be even more awkward working with him now, knowing that she was younger than him, but he would have to call her mother. Maybe she would just quit altogether and go abroad? She wouldn't be needed around now anyways. With the company in Mr. Gilga's hands and Nnoitra as the senior Director her pitiful contribution wouldn't be necessary.

Mr. Gilga was the first to shuffle his contract to his lawyer. He too seemed impassive to what was happening, what did he think of her? He had always been pleasant and genuinely nice to her. Nnoitra and her father were next. The air in the room was awfully solemn as they rose and shook hands.

So that was it, in a few hours she would no longer be a single woman. She needed a drink, more than that she needed to get drunk with the knowledge that she would spend the next day in bed nursing her hangover.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She was on her third glass of sake but still her mind was as sharp as ever, she needed something harder. Maybe they had some western alcohol? She had never tried it before, but it was said to be ten times as potent.

"What are you doing here?" Nnoitra took a seat across from her. He was still dressed in his work clothes although his suit jacket was gone.

"I'm having a drink." She answered nonchalantly and took another sip from her glass. "Why don't you join me?"

"No thanks. We are going home now." He glanced around the bar looking for a waiter to pay the tab.

"I'm not ready to go yet." She frowned looking down into her almost full cup. "You know Mr. Gilga?" she asked taking a drink from her almost empty glass

"My father?" He answered aggravated, "what about him?"

Suddenly she felt like laughing, why had she brought him up? Surely Nnoitra didn't want to be reminded that she was now his stepmother. He was annoyed, most likely her mother put him up to coming to find her. She had told her mom not to wait up for her she was going to spend her wedding night drinking until she couldn't stand on her own.

She took another sip instead her eyes drifting over him. He wore a simple gold wedding band on his ring finger, and she wondered why she never noticed it before. Her thoughts drifted back to the woman in his office. How could she have forgotten he had already been married? That's why she was forced to marry his father.

"What is your wife like?" she didn't know why she asked, but it may be because she wanted to know what kind of woman would put up with an arrogant jerk like him.

His one gray eye narrowed uncertain of what she was playing at "She's fickle, a horrible drunk and a bad liar."

Nel laughed sure he was saying such harsh words to somehow humor her. "She sounds like a perfect match for you." maybe she was that way because of his shitty attitude or the way he treated everyone as if they were mere steppingstones. "Why aren't you with her now?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? You've had enough." He got up and headed to the bar, she watched as he pulled out several bills and paid her tab.

He was unnecessarily angry; it was just hard to believe that someone would put up with him. Maybe it was a marriage like hers, in name only? If what she had witness in his office was an intimation of what his marriage was like that may be the reason he acted the way he did always on edge? He probably was frustrated having to work so hard and take care of a woman who hated him.

Maybe it was the sake but as he pulled her to her feet the warmth of his hands against her skin sent a shiver through her body. With one hand he reached down to pick up her discarded coat and with the other he kept her steady on her feet. She leaned into his arms unconsciously pressing herself into that comforting warmth.

He frowned but didn't pull away as he led her out of the crowded bar and towards his parked black sedan. "I don't want to go home." She whispered as he helped her into the passenger's seat. "Can I go home with you?" it wouldn't hurt to find some solace in a man that was in the same situation as her would it? He could say no if he wanted to, a part of her hoped that he would be sensible and refuse her offer.

Nnoitra stared down into her vulnerable hazel eyes then leaned in and kissed her. His lips were insistent against her, his tongue seeking entrance into her warm wet mouth. She kissed him back eagerly allowing his thick tongue to take control of her own. When he pulled away, she was breathing heavily but he didn't seem affected at all. He closed her door and got into the driver's seat then sped off without a word.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Neliel woke up to a pounding in her head and a dull ache between her legs. She turned to her side hoping the pain would ease but instead it seemed to deepen.

"I was just about to wake you." Nnoitra's deep voice drawled, he was standing at the foot of the bed dressed in his usual work attire.

"What are you doing here?" she asked groggily trying to shake away the incessant thundering in her ears.

"What do you mean what am I doing here? This is my home." Again, his anger surfaced as he straightened his tie.

Neliel blinked rapidly as she glanced around the large well-lit room. It was sparsely furnished with a dark blue and gray color scheme. She rubbed her hand across her eyes partly to gain some clarity and partly to shield them from his view. What the hell had she done last night?

"I made coffee if you would like. Get dressed and I will take you home." Did he have any other moods other than anger and indifference? He didn't wait for an answer as he walked out of the room.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed only then realizing that she was naked. She threw the sheet off her body as she stood, stumbling slightly as the pain returned. She grabbed her discarded clothing and proceeded to the bathroom to change.

She splashed water on her face and gargled some mouthwash before reaching for her underwear. As she slipped them on, she noticed the bruising on her hips for the first time. Matching red splotches on the junction where her waist ended, and her hips flared.

As she put on more of her rumpled clothes, she found more bruising, on her arms, the inside of her thighs and her shoulders. Not to mention the intensifying soreness that lingered between her legs.

Neliel tried to remember the events of the previous night. She could see herself drinking in the bar laughing in her misery. Then like an angry parent he ceased her drinking and demanded that she come with him.

Her cheeks flamed as she remembered her actions in his car on the way to his home, her hands on his thighs her drunken giggling as he sped down the road. She felt a nauseating wave of shame roll over her at her salacious actions.

She had initiated everything, seducing him even though she was a married woman and he was a married man. "Are you ready?" he called from the other side of the door. Her fingers hovered over the doorknob as she waited to hear his retreating footsteps. But instead she heard an almost heavy sigh, "Maybe you should take the day off." His voice sounded just as heavy as his sigh.

An unexplainable tingle surged through her and settled just below her belly. The pain she had felt earlier had disappeared and she realized she was responding to him in a sexual manner. "Um." She started then paused to take a deep breath. "I'll find my way home, thanks."

"Suit yourself." He said and walked away. She waited till she heard the slam of the front door before she quickly dashed from the bathroom and rummaged around for her purse. She would call a cab and spend the rest of the day trying to figure out a way to deal with this sticky situation.

She was lost in thought when Nnoitra returned to the room carrying her bag, "I assume you are looking for this? You left it last night in the car." Maybe she was imagining the huskiness in his voice as he dropped it on the rumpled sheets.

Neliel involuntarily looked up into his face and knew instinctively he was remembering what transpired right there on that tangled mass of designer sheets and silk. Her mind too conjured up images, stills of him, doing what only could be described as, fucking her.

Again, desire curled in the pit of her stomach, she squeezed her hand tightly into a fist by her side. "Yes, thanks." She murmured awkwardly, surprised she could still articulate semi-sensible words.

Thankfully, he left without another word to her. Her fingers tingled as the numbness dissipated as she finally relaxed her hands. She suddenly felt drained as if she had just run a marathon. She felt like collapsing on the inviting bed, instead she grabbed her bag and walked out.~~

Nobody paid her any attention as she walked in close to noon. Mina gave her a questioning look but didn't engage her. She hadn't felt like coming in, but she had sucked it up and managed to get there looking as if she hadn't been shit faced drunk the night before.

Neliel only gave a passing glance to Nnoitra's closed door as she made her way to her own office. A relived sigh escaped her as she slipped into her comfy office chair, she didn't know what she would have done if she had encountered him in the hallway.

There was a stack of paperwork on her desk, but she couldn't concentrate on it. Her mind constantly drifted back to her complicated situation she was trying not to think about. They had slept together, there was no doubt in her mind that it had been consensual. But that didn't make it any less irresponsible.

It was only a one-time thing; she would explain to Nnoitra that she had been drunk and distraught over her arranged marriage and just sought some comfort in his arms. Ultimately, she would have to tell Mr. Gilga about her infidelity too. Although she was not required to sleep with her husband she felt he at least deserved the truth.

She concluded that the best time to have this talk was at work, so he wouldn't be able to fully express his wrath. "Mina is Nnoitra free at the moment?" she had learned from her embarrassing gaffe of walking in on him and his wife to ask first.

"Yes, he doesn't have any meetings scheduled for the rest of the day…and no visitors today." She added with a hint of suggestion in her voice.

"Thanks." Nel replied and hung up. She was a little annoyed with Mina since that day, but she was her only real friend at the company, so she let it slide. Glancing at herself in the mirrored surface of the window she took a deep breath and headed towards his office.

For the first time since they had started working together, he looked disheveled and out of his element. She stood there anxiously trying to find the words she had rehearsed in her office for an hour. "What is it?" he snapped his tousled hair framing his lean face in an attractive way.

"What happened last night…" she said boldly finding her courage finally, "I was drunk. It was entirely my fault. I-"

"We can discuss that later." He interrupted her impatiently.

"No, I think we should, I insist that we talk about it now." She demanded finding her resolve.

"What is there to talk about?" he asked sitting back in his seat, his eyes darkening. "Two consenting adults had sex, there is nothing to talk about."

Like she had thought the attraction was mutual, but he was taking the high road and not placing all the blame on her.

"If you are looking for an apology, you will not get one from me."

"I don't want an apology. I just don't want you to expect that it will happen again. I know that our situation isn't the most desirable, but we can make it work by putting this behind us." What she really wanted to say was she didn't want the already uncomfortable working environment to turn unbearable.

"Humph." He muttered a frown tipping his generous lips, "Fine." He finally answered after the silence became overwhelming

"Thanks." She managed a grateful smile before she ducked from the room. Now all she had to worry about was how she would tell her husband.~~

"Mr. Gilga took a flight out immediately after the document signing yesterday and will not be back until the end of the month."

"There's no way for me to get in contact with him, before then?" Neliel asked his personal assistant anxiously.

"I'm sorry Ms. Tu Oderschvank, it's impossible. He left strict orders not to be disturbed."

"Okay thank you." Two weeks with this secret would be hell. It was already eating at her; how could she do something so despicable? At least she had gotten it straightened out with Nnoitra.

Nel's lips pursed as she thought of his dismissive attitude, maybe he was used to cheating on his wife. After all she didn't seem like she was in the picture a lot. Maybe she spent most of her time abroad and that afforded Nnoitra the time he needed to find lovers on the side.

She rolled her eyes, why was she even wasting her time worrying about what Nnoitra was doing with his personal life? It didn't concern her at all, at least not anymore. She stripped and headed for a quick shower before bed.

She blushed as she glided the sponge over her body, vividly she recalled the rough way his hands had traced along her skin. The greedy way he had explored every inch of her nude form. Her mouth dried and she swallowed hard, the sponge stilled against her breast. She wanted him, wanted to feel the possessiveness in his embrace as he spilled his essence into her.

She felt like she was suffocating and drowning at the same time. Abruptly she turned off the shower and just leaned against the cold tile as her senses returned. What she wanted was to go back to him, to experience the irrepressible lust that had flared between them. She was just as bad as he was.

She hastily exited the bathroom and pulled on a simple dress and the first jacket she could find. Her parents would be sleeping by now, so she didn't have to sneak around, she grabbed the keys to her car and made sure to lock the door behind her.

Neliel found herself outside his house, shivering in the night air. She had been so hasty the flimsy jacket she had shrugged on did nothing for the chill. She clasped her hands together again wondering what the hell was wrong with her. She turned to leave after a few more moments of waiting but paused when the door opened.

Nnoitra stood there shirtless, a pair of black shorts slung low on his narrow hips. The usual white strap of his eye patch was missing but his long hair hung disheveled covering the right side of his face. He looked weary but also surprised to see her there, she trembled slightly beneath his gaze "what are you doing here?" as icy as always, his voice brought her back to her senses.

"I'm sorry Nnoitra, I know I'm a bad person for wanting this but…" before she could finish her pathetic request, he had pulled her into the warmth of his arms. He closed the door behind them pining her against it.

She knew the lust she saw in his eyes was mirrored in her own, he kissed her avariciously his tongue tracing every contour of her mouth. When he pulled away both their breathing was ragged, "I'm not going to be gentle with you." He warned his hand already roughly tugging the thin jacket from her shoulders.

Neliel could only nod mutely, truth be told she didn't deserve to be made love to. She had constantly treated him like crap, had herself told him there was nothing between them. Yet here she was almost begging for him to touch her. When had she completely lost her morals?

His lips grazed her neck and she let go of her rational mind, allowing the feel of his hands and lips to be the only thing occupying her thoughts.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He didn't understand her. Now she flirted with him while they worked together but refused to acknowledge what they had. She leaned over next to him; her breasts pressed against his back her sweet vanilla infused scent engulfing him. This was the first time she had been so brazen with him. It reminded him of their wedding night, her hands greedily touching and seeking Hiscock as he had sped home.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked turning in his seat. She was dressed in a black two-piece suit that clearly defined just what her body was designed for. For a professional setting she shouldn't be allowed to walk around dressed as provocatively as she did.

She feigned innocence a sweet smile coming to her full lips, " I was just trying to help, but if you don't want me..."

Although they had continued to sleep together since that night, they kept it out of the workplace. He noticed a difference in her demeanor immediately, she was more guarded and less forthcoming with him. He preferred it that way, keeping the personal separate from the business.

But as it was now his self-control was at its limit, he pulled her down onto his lap and kissed her hard. His tongue sought hers touching the tip to tip. She moaned against his lips her fingers reaching between them to work at the zipper of his pants.

She quickly pulled his cock free and began to stroke him until he was fully erect. She rolled her fingers through his pre cum using it to coat his length until it was glossy.

"We shouldn't be doing this." She pulled away suddenly her slick fingers releasing his hard cock. Her breathing was ragged as she pulled away from him, her lips were swollen from his kisses and even more enticing. "No Nnoitra we can't what if we get caught?"

What the fuck was she playing at? She was the one who had seduced him. It was a little too late to suddenly gain morals. "No excuses." He pulled her back into his arms hoisting her up into his lap. His fingers quickly pulled her panties to the side positioning her just above his throbbing tip.

She gripped his shoulders as he pulled her hips roughly down until he was buried fully inside her, he could feel the bite of her nails through the fabric of his shirt. Her breath came out on a hiss as she bucked her hips against his. It was always amazing the first time he thrusted into her, when her wet glove was just adjusting to his thickness.

Nnoitra couldn't sit still any longer, he needed to move to feel her delicate muscles gripping each and every inch of him. He grabbed hold of her ass and used it to set a pace, thrusting up into her as she rolled her hips.

He captured her lips silencing her moans, usually he didn't mind her being loud he even welcomed the breathless way she gasped his name, but they were in his office. They would have to be a little discreet.

Her hips began to move on their own and he rose to his feet laying her out on his desk. "Tell me you want it." He demanded while rubbing his cock against her clit.

Nel moaned and arched her back at the sensations his torture was causing. She began to ease her hips off of the hard wood wanting more of him. "Yes, Nnoi please." She whispered breathlessly.

With that, he pulled her legs up hooking them over his shoulders and slid his cock deep into her with one thrust making her cry out in pleasure. His thick cock stretched her wetness around him. She could feel every shudder of him deep inside. He began to pump into her fast and deep, moaning and struggling to breathe with each thrust.

Nel began to rock back and forth, taking him deeper and deeper with each eager motion. Her wetness tightened around him, releasing then sucking his member back in with each thrust. Her movements became wilder. She began to grind harder and faster seeking the amazing release she knew was just moments away.

She cried out his name as she felt her orgasm crash into her as he began to come too. Nel's fingers gripped the edge of the desk as he drove deeper and harder into her, wave after wave of ecstasy washing over her as he emptied himself in her. He held himself rigid above her as his breathing slowly began to even out their bodies still intimately joined.

As the last lingering swells of ecstasy diminished Nel pulled herself together, untangling her limbs from his. She was suddenly ashamed of herself and she hastily made a dash to his bathroom. She took her time cleaning the remnants of his passion from between her legs and thighs. What exactly was she doing? What the hell had gotten into her? Did she have no control?

A woman she didn't recognize stared back at her. Her lips were red and swollen, her cheeks flushed, and her hair tousled. She looked nothing like the perfect façade she always presented to the world.

She couldn't do it any longer, she had to end it now. She would put in her two weeks resignation and go on a long long trip to somewhere where she wouldn't be reminded of her sins. Splashing cold water on her warm face she steeled herself for what she was about to do.

He was sitting behind his desk, the evidence of their lovemaking already cleaned up. She inched her way towards the door, she would say her piece and then escape before he had a chance to retaliate. "What we are doing is wrong. Even if our marriages aren't the best we have to at least try. I'm sorry I started this, but I can't do it any longer."

She took a deep breath afraid to meet his eyes. "Consider this my two weeks' notice, I will have my written resignation on your desk tomorrow." There she had said it, surprisingly he seemed as rigid as usual.

Somehow that made her feel worse, if he had been angry she could deal with it, but to remain so impassive it struck her heart in a way that was unfamiliar to her. She turned on her heels and slammed the door behind her.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Neliel stood in the shadows of the crowded lobby, nervously, hoping that she wouldn't be spotted by anyone. To celebrate how unbelievably well the company was doing they were having an office party. As the daughter of the company president she was required to show up, smile and look happy.

The moment she had walked in she had cowered in the corner nursing a non-alcoholic drink. After all alcohol is what had gotten her in trouble in the first place, she didn't want losing her inhibitions to be her undoing. She only had to survive until her father arrived and delivered his speech before she could sneak away with no consequences.

A round of applause erupted and she turned her attention to the grand entrance. She expected to see her parents standing there, her mother the picture of perfection as always and her father sheepishly smiling next to her. Nope, there stood Nnoitra, his father and the beautiful older woman she had seen before in his office. She clung to both of them, her dark hair swept up atop her head to show off a dazzling, expensive looking diamond set.

"Go on and cheer." She muttered as she turned away to look at the massive grandfather clock across the room. It was already after eight and her parents were running very late, she decided to call her mom to see what was going on.

Her call went straight to voicemail, both times she tried her mother's cell and both times she tried her fathers. They had both assured her they would be back from Osaka in time for the party.

"-Mr. Tu Oderschvank will not be able to make it tonight," Neliel hung up in time to hear Nnoitra's voice ring out over the stereo system. "But don't let that dampen the festivities. On behalf of Mr. Tu Oderschvank, we would like to thank you all for the hard work you have contributed to the success of this merger. I personally look forward to working towards our continuing success from this point onwards. Thank you again, please enjoy this small token of our appreciation. Mina," he paused as Mina approached the microphone.

"Thank you, Mr. Gilga." She smiled graciously as he took a step back. His father said something to him, and his plastic smile faltered, he nodded and easily slipped away towards the elevator. "Because of the unexpected success, you will each receive an additional bonus. Please visit the HR room to pick yours up before you go home tonight!"

Again the crowd cheered as they dispersed from the makeshift stage murmuring. Mr. Gilga and the dark-haired beauty stood there chatting with Mina, her arm looped through his. If her father wasn't going to show up, she didn't see the point in staying either.

Neliel gathered her coat and snuck away, she paused momentarily wondering what Nnoitra was doing upstairs. He was probably working, as always. Her curiosity got the best of her and she found herself in the elevator on her way up to their office floor.

Most of the room was dark, except for his office and the corresponding printing station. She quietly crept closer pausing just outside of his office. He was on the phone she strained to hear his conversation, "Yes Mr. Tu Oderschvank."

Oh, so he was speaking to her father, maybe he was checking up to see how well the party was going? "I have it under control, it shouldn't take me much longer to get the analysis complete." He paused before he spoke again this time instead his polite tone was replaced with one of irritation, "Does it really matter? As long I get the job done right?" his anger simmered as he listened to what her father had to say.

Neliel peered inside of the doorway, he was faced away from her his jacket discarded, and his sleeves rolled up to the elbow. "Who's to blame doesn't matter, either way it all falls back onto me."

Nnoitra ran his hand through his hair trying to control his mounting ire, "I really don't fucking care." He stated after a few moments of listening to the other end, "I'll keep working like the diligent fool that you think I am, but remember I'm not doing this for you." With that he hung up. He stared down at the phone in his hands before flinging it angrily across the room.

Neliel back away slowly wondering what exactly she had just witnessed. She didn't know what to think, she had never heard anyone speak to her father in that tone before. He made it seem as if her father was the villain, wasn't it him that walked around like he was lord and master over everything?

Her thoughts conflicted, he did work exceptionally hard and the success of the recent merger was primarily because of his leadership. But her loyalties would always be to her father. In a few days she would have her freedom, she wouldn't have to think about the company or the torrid love triangle she was involved in.

Love, inane as it was, was the only feeling that could describe what she felt for Nnoitra. She couldn't look at him and not feel the rush of emotion. She had to forget about him somehow, the only way she realized she'd be able to do that is to leave. So, she already made plans to take some time off and travel abroad. Hopefully learning a new language and mingling with locals will take her mind off of everything.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Damn damn damn." Nel said franticly as she pushed the close button for the elevator, but the doors didn't close fast enough, and Mr. Gilga smiled at her as he stepped in.

It was too early for her to face him, she could still see Nnoitra's face clearly in her mind, she could almost still feel his fingers on her body. She had easily avoided him last night at the company party but to be stuck in an elevator with him would be torture. She was a horrible woman, falling in love with a man who from the start was unattainable.

"Neliel, I finally caught you." He didn't sound angry on the contrary he sounded very pleased, maybe with himself. "I see you and Nnoitra are finally getting along."

Nel stilled unsure of how to answer that, they had been getting along, but after that fiasco in his office she doubt he had anything good to say about her. Maybe she should laugh it off and just agree? "Um, yes sir." She finally responded.

"That's good. At first, I thought you two would not get along, seeing as how he can be quite difficult sometimes." That was an understatement, no wonder his wife hated him.

"Um, I'm sure he has some good qualities. I think he's just misunderstood." Before she had thought that he just needed an outlet for his pent-up frustration but even after they had sex he was still as petulant as ever. He was just an unbearable man.

"I'm glad, but you know if he ever starts acting up just let me know, his mother has a way with words." He chuckled at his own joke.

"His mother?" Nel asked confused.

"Yes, my wife." He replied looking at her as if she had suddenly grown two additional heads before his eyes.

"You- you're married?" was that her voice sounding so shrill?

"I was sure that I introduced you two. Didn't you get a chance to meet her last night?" he rubbed his chin in thought trying to remember last night's event.

The only woman he had been with last night was the mysterious dark-haired woman that he and Nnoitra had arrived with. It, no it couldn't be that she was his wife. "Not personally, but I, forgive me but she looks a lot younger than you."

He turned a bright red but laughed all the same, "I guess as they say love transcends age."

Neliel laughed along with him, "I guess that's true but-?" she gasped as she finally made the connection and realized what that meant. "So Nnoitra is my… we're married!"

Again, he looked at her puzzled, "Yes of course. She was afraid that he would chase you away with that attitude of his, but we're really glad it's working out! If anyone can handle him it's you."

"It-it takes some time to get used to, um if you'll excuse me I-" she couldn't even make up a proper excuse. She ran out of the opened elevator doors. Somehow it felt as if the air was stifling, this whole time she was married to Nnoitra? How could she be so foolish not to realize it?

Nel stood hesitant outside Nnoitra's office door and took a deep breath, she had to do this now. If she put it off she would continue to avoid it and there would never be any resolution. Without another thought she pushed open the door. He didn't even glance up, his eyes glued to the screen of his laptop.

"What do you want?" his voice was crisp and detached.

"Can we talk for a moment Nnoi?" she closed the door behind her, keeping her back pressed straight against it.

"No." he replied just as coldly.

"We're married right?"

"Oh, so now we are husband and wife?" he glanced up at her then, his lips set in a grim line. "Did your father tell you everything? Is that why you are here?"

"My father?" what did he have to do with this? For all she knew her parents were still on a mini vacation in Osaka enjoying the hot springs.

"It doesn't matter either way. We'll absolve the marriage and you can do as you wish. Now if you'll excuse me, I do have work to do." He turned his attention back to the screen in front of him.

Nel understood all too well now, she turned to leave as tears came to her eyes.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You can't get a divorce." Her father said forgoing the knocking and walking into her room unannounced.

"He told you." Nel glanced up from the book she had been trying futilely to read for the past hour, "He's the one that suggested it."

He came over and took a seat next to her in bed. This must be really hard for him Nel felt a little bad for him but what could she do? She was the one that made the mistake and it was time she faced the consequences of her actions.

"Listen Hun, I know having to marry someone you don't know well is not easy to adjust to because I've been there myself." He grasped her hand in his and smiled down at her "My father conspired with your mother's father to trick us into marriage. We were both adamant that we wouldn't marry to join the two companies, but what did our desires matter? They drugged us and locked us up together, needless to say by the time the doors were unlocked your mom was pregnant. We were forced to marry and we learned to love each other. I know you both are strong willed and stubborn but there is a spark there." He sighed and ran a hand through his graying hair, "anyways if you divorce him now you lose everything."

"What?" maybe she hadn't heard him correctly, she had been so lost in thought about the bittersweet start of her parent's now happy marriage that she thought she misheard him.

"Well if you guys get divorced before a year of marriage you forfeit your right to the shares in the company. So, they fall to Nnoitra and you get nothing." He was flustered

Nel pulled her hand from his, "why would you even include that stipulation? Didn't you know what Nnoitra was like? How could you guys expect me to fall for such an austere man?"

"Believe me Hunny we didn't want to but Nnoitra was adamant that we include it, or he would not agree to marry you."

"You make it seem as if I'm the bad guy!" she said climbing out of bed, "I was the one being forced into marriage."

"You don't understand." Her father pleaded coming over to her, "I'm not the young man I was before, my body can't handle the stress of managing such an active company." He sighed and she turned to him, "your mother didn't want me to tell you, but they found a tumor in my right lung."

"What?! Is it cancer?"

"It's too early to tell." He nervously wrung his fingers together, "I just wanted you and your mother to be taken care of if anything happened to me. I know you aren't keen on staying in the company forever and I understand that, your mother was the same way. When I brought Nnoitra into the company I had already decided that he would be my successor no matter what. You two would still have enough shares in the company to live comfortably for years, but I wanted to make sure completely. After Nnoitra and I spoke I recognized what kind of character he had. I discussed it with Mr. Gilga, and he agreed that it would be good for Nnoitra to finally settle down himself."

"Why didn't you tell me this before? The whole time I thought I was married to Mr. Gilga." She couldn't be mad at him, after all he had done everything for her. He wouldn't have gone to such drastic measures if the tumor wasn't serious.

"I'm sorry dear, we didn't want you to worry just in case it turns out to be benign. I'm scheduled for another checkup at the beginning of next week, we'll know for sure then." He wrapped his arms around her, and she felt tears prickle behind her eyelids. "Since I've always been working I've kind of neglected you two. But no matter what the diagnoses I promise to spend the time I have left making happy memories."

"Don't say that dad, it sounds as if you are dying." She sobbed against his chest, "You aren't even that old." He gently patted her back in a soothing manner as she cried.

Maybe he had taken it a little too far? He hadn't expected her to react so emotionally. It was the first thing that came to his mind to say. He'd have to make sure he warned her mother of his little ruse so he didn't get busted. She'd be angry at first, but she'll eventually play along. After all, this was for the fate of their only daughter's happiness and well-being.

"Don't worry about me dear, I'm sure it will be good news. But please think everything over. I know it doesn't seem like he cares about you, but I can tell there is a difference in him. You are such a positive influence on him."

Now that she knew the circumstances she wanted to start over to try and make their relationship really work out. "I will, just take it easy please dad. You should be resting." She withdrew her arms from around him. "It's late you should go to bed."

"You're right Hun." He replied with a smile. He was sure that she would be leaving to go see Nnoitra once she knew he was tucked safely in for the night. "Goodnight, love you."

"Love you too dad." She followed him to her bedroom door grabbing her coat on her way out. She watched as he disappeared into the room he shared with her mother. Hopefully Nnoitra would be as understanding once she explained everything to him. It wasn't just her happiness that was on the line anymore.~~

He wasn't sleeping when she let herself in, he was sitting at the dining room table with an array of papers scattered around him. "What do you want?" he looked tired, he had discarded the jacket and tie to his suit, the first few buttons had been undone and she could see his pale skin beneath it.

"I just want to talk." She said feeling a little humbled in front of him. She never realized how much work he actually did; he was always micromanaging at work she figured he just came home and relaxed.

"We have nothing to talk about. Please leave." He turned his attention back to the paperwork in front of him. It felt oddly familiar, and she shook the trepidation from her mind. Hesitantly she approached him glancing at the scattered documents.

"I'll help." She didn't wait for him to answer her as she took a seat next to him and began to organize and sort the files. Nothing was said between them as they worked into the night. It must have been two hours later that they were finally finished, and he placed the neatly organized documents in two different briefcases.

"You can show yourself out." He said getting up from his seat.

"No, I only helped so we could talk." She grabbed his arm stilling him.

He shrugged off her fingers and turned towards her his silver eye flashing in the low light. "What would you like to talk about wife? The fact that you refused to acknowledge me for the whole duration of this farce of a marriage. You and your father are one in the same, you use me for your own selfish purposes but I'm still not good enough for you?"

"No, it's not like that." She answered, is that how he saw things? She could see where he was coming from. Her father pretty much forced him to take over running the company and saddled him with a woman who he had barely known.

"Then what is it? Did you come to get fucked again? That's all I'm useful for, right?" he pushed her forcibly against the now empty table. "Tell me this isn't what you want." His voice was rough with an emotion she wasn't familiar with as he pulled her legs apart.

She was stunned, her words were swallowed up in her throat. It wasn't her fault, she hadn't known all the details, she didn't know what kind of pressure was being put on him, how much stress he had to deal with.

"No, no Nnoitra, I came to apologize please believe me!" She finally found her voice, but it came out more of a sob than anything. Nel grasped the front of his shirt trying to push him from her, "please Nnoitra don't do this. I'm sorry." His lips crashed down on hers forcefully quieting anything else she wanted to say. He kissed her thoroughly only pulling away to catch his own breath.

When she finally caught her own breath, she could only manage to whisper, "I love you Nnoitra, please listen to me." Abruptly his movements stilled his face inches from hers. "I-I didn't mean to make you feel that way, it was all my fault."

Nnoitra let her go completely and she was glad that she defused what could have been a disastrous situation. His anger had died, and he stared down at her waiting for an explanation. "I was confused." She admitted drawing her legs together, "when my mother told me I would be married off, I assumed it would be to your father. I was so shocked all I could do was go through the motions. I didn't fully read the contract and I didn't ask any questions."

Looking back, she had done a lot of things wrong, and jumped to a lot of unnecessary conclusions. "That night at the bar I wondered why it couldn't have been you. When you came to find me, I realized I didn't want to be alone anymore."

He was silent and she began to feel uncomfortable beneath his gaze the first prick of emotion suddenly bringing tears to her eyes. "I didn't know my father forced this position on you. I thought you wanted control of everything. I guess it was just easier for me to think the worst of you then to find out the truth" a soft sigh escaped her, "Can we start over?"

Nnoitra regarded her warily running a hand down his face, "I'm through with you, get out." He stepped away from her with a dismissive wave of his hand.

She had expected as much, "Okay Nnoitra." She choked out, not sure why she was crying. "Um goodbye…" Neliel slipped away from the table and hastily let herself out.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"How's the trip Hunny?" again her mother asked, as she had for the past month, with vaguely disguised concern.

"Great, I'm having a great time." Neliel tried not to sigh as she lied through her teeth. She was having a horrible time. Travelling abroad was not as fun and glamorous as she had first thought. She felt like an idiot every time she had to pull out her translator and the awkward looks she got didn't make her feel any better.

"Well you say that, but it's not convincing. Its lonely when you go by yourself, especially the first trip out of the country…" Neliel tried to tune her out as she sat up in bed, "Have you heard anything from Nnoitra?" her mother asked tentatively. There it was, she was wondering when he would come up.

"Why do you keep asking me that? Nnoitra made it clear he doesn't want anything to do with me. We're divorced remember?"

"I ask because I know how you feel about him. Maybe if you would have put up a little fight-"

"Mom, it doesn't matter how I feel Nnoitra had no feelings for me you can't change that."

the line was silent for a few moments, "honey why don't you come home? We could share this burden together."

"No, I'm going to spend every day of my month-long vacation here and I'm not leaving a day sooner. Once I get back, I'm going to have to get a real job so I might as well enjoy what little I have left." Since she and Nnoitra divorced before a year was up, all her shares defaulted to him. She was lucky she had set up her trip months before, when she had access to the ample funds.

"Dear, don't worry about that, we still have plenty of money. And anyways, you still have your virtue intact and you are gorgeous it won't be hard for you to find another man to fall in love with."

Virtue? Nel almost laughed, even that she didn't have. She had wantonly given it away to Nnoitra on her drunken wedding night. She realized that no one knew the real extent of their involvement. "It's not the same mother." She replied getting up and going to the mini bar. As requested, the hotel staff had premixed a cocktail for her and left it there.

Its name was written in their foreign language and she didn't even try to pronounce it, "Then you should not have signed the divorce papers." Her mother said sounding exasperated. "It's one thing to take a break but to concede so easily-"

Neliel took a sip of the blue green cocktail, it was sweet yet bitter and the cool liquid danced on her tongue then down her throat. She just wanted to enjoy herself without thoughts of her failed marriage or her angry ex-husband. "Why don't you tell that to him?" she snapped, taking another long gulp of the intoxicating mixture.

The line was silent, and she wasn't sure if her mother had given up. "Mom? I'm sorry I snapped at you." She said softly, she was her only ally right now. Her father, apparently, had taken Nnoitra's side. "It's just that being reminded about it is not going to change the past. I wish I could go back and start over from the beginning but that's just not possible."

"It's not too late honey." Finally, her mother spoke her voice tender, "I'm sure your father may have mentioned some of the reasons behind the marriage."

Oh boy, Nel thought, if her father's health scare wasn't enough. "I'm well aware mother," Nel started-

"You don't know the whole story dear, neither did your father." She paused, "Would you like to say hi to her I'm on the line with her now?" Neliel deduced that she must be talking to her father and not her. "Fine," she answered then let out a short groan.

"Tell him I said hi." Nel set her empty glass down and debated on ordering another from room service.

"You know how stubborn your father can be," she let out a shaky laugh, "as I was saying. Long before your father's cancer scare, he was considering retiring. I know how you feel about shouldering the company once he did so I was adamant that he finds someone else to take over."

"Thanks mom, but it doesn't matter to me anymore." she didn't want to rehash the past or think about how her father forced Nnoitra to take over.

"You say that, but at least have the courtesy to listen to me." her voice was stern, something that was very unusual for her.

Nel sighed and took a seat on one of the plush settees that faced the Parisian skyline, "Sorry mom. Go ahead it's not like I have much else to do today."

"In the field there were a lot of candidates that your father was considering, eventually he narrowed it down to the top three. You know how much I hate anything that has to do with the office, so I barely paid attention when he told me about it. He interviewed two out of the three, but the last candidate declined."

"I wonder why…" Nel muttered sarcastically. She could only imagine what her father had told them. 'Oh, so I'll retire and place all the burden on you, all the employees, the committee, everything while I sit around and reap the benefits how about it?'

Her mother ignored that, "Out of all three Nnoitra was the most astute and motivated. He took his father's company from nearing bankruptcy to the top of the fortune 500. He refused the interview and declined the offer."

"Why would he want to? He was already managing a good company why would he want Dads? I see why he was disgruntled."

"He was adamant that nothing would change his mind, so your father decided to keep working. Flash forward a few months and Mr. Gilga contacts your father with a deal. Nnoitra will take over the company if you two marry."

"So, it was Mr. Gilga that wanted the marriage?"

"Actually, Marisol, Nnoitra's mother wanted the marriage. Long before all this took place, I met Marisol on holiday. I think it was to Korea, hm, maybe Hong Kong? I'm not sure exactly where it was but we hit it off."

"So, this is all your fault is what you are trying to say?" Nel asked with a shake of her head. She had thought her mother's match meddling days were over once she graduated university, but apparently they never would.

"If you would like to think of it that way." Her mother replied with a sigh, "Stop interrupting or we'll be here all night."

"I don't mind, like I said I have nothing else to do."

"You should feel ashamed for being proud of that." Another sigh from her and Nel had to hold her laughter. "Anyways we got to talking, she told me about her son, and I told her about you. We spent the rest of the trip together trying to figure out a way to get you two together. It would be a win-win for everyone. You guys would be married, our husbands would retire, and we'd get grandchildren to spoil."

"That sounds very selfish to me." Nel said in a huff, "being married isn't everything that I want in life."

Her mom made a nasty sound that sounded like a grunt, something she had never ever heard from her before. "You obviously don't know what's good for you, if you did you wouldn't be there simmering in misery alone."

Wow that was harsh. "I'm not miserable- "

"I know when you are lying dear. I just wanted the best for you. After I saw a picture of him, I thought maybe you would find him mysterious and that would pique your interest in him."

She hadn't been wrong. He didn't look like he should be working in an office, he was built for sports or maybe something dangerous like motorcycle racing. She had always wondered why he wore that eye patch. There had never been a good time for her to ask him about it, and the way she treated him she didn't think he would be honest with her.

"Now that you mention that, do you know why he wears that eyepatch? Since you and Marisol are such good pals, I'm sure she told you." She didn't even try to keep the sarcasm from her voice. All this time she was blaming her dad, but he had just been a measly pawn like her. Her mother pulling the strings from the get-go.

"You didn't ask Nnoitra?" her mother asked surprised, "I thought that would have been something you would have blurted out right away."

"I have more tact and decency than that!" Nel replied indignantly.

Her mother laughed sweetly, "Of course you do dear."

"I'm not father, you don't have to placate me."

"I'm not dear, I'm agreeing with you." Nel could hear the smile in her voice. She missed the easiness between them. This is how it used to be, they would talk for hours, either on the phone while she was away or face to face. "Anyhow, when he was still going through university, he got into a motorcycle accident. A drunk driver purposely ran him off the road. It was a nasty accident; he was in a coma for a few months. He completely lost his left eye—"

"Like there's nothing there?" Nel gasped.

"Yes, he also lost most of the sight in his right eye. His parents opted for experimental surgery with the risk of him completely losing sight. As you could probably tell it was a success. He made a successful recovery. And here we are today."

Nel had never dreamed it would be so heart wrenching to hear the truth. She could only imagine how hard he had to work to train his mind and body after such a harrowing experience. No wonder he was so reserved. "I treated him like crap mom," she admitted tears stinging the back of her eyes. "every time he tried to help me out, I acted like a real ass to him."

"I didn't raise you like that Dear, you have to make amends on your own." Her mother replied, but there was no malice in her voice, "You didn't take any time to get to know him."

She hadn't, because she had been an idiot thinking she was married to his father. No, even before then she had preconceived notions about him and nothing, he did she would let change them. It was already too late, and her chance had passed.

"Its not too late Honey," her mom stated as if reading her mind.

Nel sighed, her mom didn't know the full story. After how badly she treated she knew he would never forgive her. "I'll think about it mom." She wouldn't argue the futility of it anymore.

"I just want you to be happy Nel. Don't let all my hard work be in vain."

"Your hard work? You haven't step foot in an office since I've been alive." Nel chided her.

"I'm talking about with you and Nnoitra. Do you know how much pestering I had to do to get your father to finally decide to find someone to replace him? He originally wanted to retire in 3 years! Three more years of not spending time with me. Having to travel by myself while all my friends are spending their golden years with their husbands."

"Are you sure you were doing this for me?" Nel laughed at her mom's exasperated sigh, "I said I'll think about it ok? When I come home, I promise to settle things."

"I know you love him Hun, and I know he loves you. Please don't give up on happiness." Her mother's solemn words hung in the air. He didn't love her; of that she was sure.

"I'll see you soon mom, Love you."

"Love you too Nel. Have a good night." She listened to the dial tone for a little longer than necessary before hanging up. There was nothing she could do about it while she was here anyways. Once she got home, she would sort everything out, even if it meant getting her heart broken again. ~~

This was her last day there and she was going to live it up. All her souvenirs were bought and most of her spending cash was depleted. Now all she wanted was to drink as much as she could then sleep the night away until her flight the next morning.

"Is this seat taken?" a very well-dressed man slipped into the unoccupied seat next to her. "Why is such a beautiful woman like you here all by yourself?"

"She's not." For a moment Nel stilled unable to breathe. The deep baritone of his voice chilled her as much as the alcohol.

"I'm sorry, my mistake." The gentlemen slipped away with a slight nod.

"What are you doing here?" she asked staring down at her drink, afraid that if she looked at him, he would disappear. "Never mind, I think I know. Did my mother send you to fetch me again?" Their wedding night echoed in her mind, the warmth of his arms as he led her from the bar, the moment of clarity when she realized she didn't want to be alone anymore.

"Are you drunk?" he pulled out his wallet and in perfect French he asked the bartender the total of her bill. He settled it with a generous tip and pulled her from the stool.

"I'm quite sober, I think." She replied leaning into his arms. She wasn't as sober as she would have liked to be, but she wasn't as shit faced that she wouldn't be able to have the conversation she knew was coming. Nel felt a bit giddy as he wrapped his coat around her naked shoulders, she had worn the only thing she had left in her suitcase. A dazzling sequined midi dress that fit her like a velvet glove.

"What room are you in?" he asked leading her towards the elevator, his arm never leaving her waist.

"The penthouse suite." She replied with a sigh, just being like this gave her a feeling of such contentment. She didn't want this to end, she didn't want to wake up and discover that she had only imagined him being there.

She fumbled for the key in her purse, the alcohol or his closeness making her light-headed. With a huff he took her bag from her and searched for the keycard. It was a seconds later that he had the door open. He released her and she flipped the light switch on, kicking off her heels. Nel turned to him to, her thoughts derailed at the look he was giving her.

His eyes were glued to her, she wondered if he had been watching her that intently the whole time. She felt her face flush and suddenly she felt like she was sweltering. She slipped off his coat, not sure of what to say.

"Um, do you want a drink?" she managed trying to ease the tension in her limbs. Her whole body had come alive, wanting him to pull her into his arms and kiss her.

"No," was his simple reply. He stood there looking just as unsure as she felt. This was only the second time she had seen him appearing so vulnerable.

"Ok I'm going to have one then," she turned, his gaze unnerving her. Maybe she should be more intoxicated? Her drunk self seemed to know how to express her desires and emotions more than her sober self.

"I think you've had enough. We need to talk."

"Yeah I know, that's why I need another drink." She turned in time to see a wry smile cross his face. "I was just thinking, I'm a lot more honest when I'm drunk." She added with a small laugh.

"What are you afraid of?"

Nel desperately wanted that drink, that way if he rejected her, she would forget about it, or laugh it off as just something that she hadn't meant. "That you hate me." She whispered hoping he would stay where he was so she wouldn't have to see his face.

She could only imagine what he's thinking, after all the shit she's done to him. "I see." Was all he said. They stood there silent for a moment, wasn't that his answer? He wouldn't lie to save her feelings.

She should tell him to leave, what was the point of him coming here? To make her feel like shit all over again. Stupidly she felt tears prickling at the back of her eyes. How could she still love him! she thought being away not seeing him would help her forget but it just made her want to be with him even more. She had to be strong and tell him to leave, to hold her tears in long enough to completely cut ties with him.

Neliel didn't hear anything as he closed the gap between them. Nnoitra wrapped his arms around her, his taller frame making her feel warm and sheltered. He laid his head against hers and took a deep breath "I don't hate you… All I've ever wanted was you." He murmured his voice barely above a whisper.

The emotion that reverberated through each word hit her hard, sending a tremor though her whole body. This time tears did come to her hazel eyes, "I'm sorry Nnoitra." She whispered, "I was selfish, all I thought about was my own happiness. I didn't mean to treat you as if you were nothing."

"I took over for your father in hopes that working together you would get to know me, so when we did get married it wouldn't have been such a shock to you. But I realized too late that it was the wrong way to go about it. I knew that we were going to marry no matter what, I should have tried harder to ease you into it." his arms tightened around her, each word filled with regret.

He had tried, but she hadn't wanted to listen to him. Because she had thought she was marrying his father. Every misunderstanding stemmed from that ridiculous thought. she hadn't been honest the whole time they were together, always saying it was just sex. It was more than that. Even when she realized she was in love with him she just dismissed it as her not feeling lonely anymore.

"I purposely took my frustrations out on you on our wedding night because I was angry. I didn't even push for a real ceremony, but you didn't have the decency to show up to sign the marriage certificate. Instead you went out and tried to forget it all by getting drunk." His voice turned heated, "I thought what the hell am I doing? Here I was doing everything I could to help you and you were treating me just as your father did."

"I'm sorry Nnoi." Was all she could say to apologize because he was right. She had treated him just as heartlessly as her father had and she had no excuse as to why.

"I fell farther and farther in love with you, while you never acknowledged me. I was just conveniently there for you to satisfy your needs but other than that I didn't seem to matter to you."

"But you did, I just didn't know what I was feeling. I was torn, I thought I was married to your father and yet I had these strong feelings for you. I-I'm so sorry, I put you through so much, please forgive me?" she turned in his arms to stare into his eyes, they were cloudy with emotion.

"I love you so much Nnoitra, all I want is a chance to forget all that and start over." There she said it, it was all out on the table now. She couldn't read his facial expression. Time seemed to stand will as she stood in his open embrace her heart thundering in her chest and ears.

He leaned down sealing her parted lips with his. The kiss was so tender everything but him faded into the fringes. All she knew was his warmth and his love as it radiated into her whole being. Nel wrapped her arms around him as her heart brimmed with happiness.

Nnoitra drew away first, taking a deep breath. "That's what I want to. Actually," he released her and took a step back getting down on one knee. "You asked me what I was doing here. I came to ask you to marry me, the proper way."

"Y-you don't have to..." Nel managed to choke out on a sob.

"I do. I love you Neliel Tu Oderschvank. Will you marry me?" he presented her with a black box with a simple diamond ring on a bed of velvet.

"Of course, Nnoitra." She answered wiping tears from her eyes. He slipped the ring on her bare finger and pulled her into a warm hug. "I love you too." She whispered as she cupped his head in her hands, kissing him.

Her mother's hard work didn't go to waste after all, she thought to herself with a smile as she pulled him towards the bedroom.

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A/N: Thanks for reading, hopefully you've enjoyed it!