First and Only
After murmuring my thanks to Natsu, I immediately went to my condo's tower. I was just too preoccupied to even think if he's fine or what.
It was only when I was able to regain my senses which I seemingly lost after our conversation, if it could be considered as one, in his Mustang. Levy and Cana's missed calls greeted me as I stared at the screen of my phone. I opted to just text them both to ease their worry.
My soft bed enveloped my body as I turned to my left to cuddle with a plush toy that Loke gave which made me fell asleep soundly. I feel so tired because of today's happenings.
I spent my whole weekends working out in my condo or taking a jog inside the tower's premise. I feel normal now, the feelings from previous days are miraculously gone. Maybe because Sting has been fooling me for so long now that I am slowly becoming numb? I don't even think I love him anymore. I even feel as if there's no longer us, just unofficially since we cannot break up because of our fathers' whims.
The Eucliffes has been Dad business partner ever since we were in high school. On Sting's part, maybe he feels the same. We're both just pressured by our parents…
"You left again with Natsu Dragneel last night?" Cana'smischievous grin cut my pondering.
The whole team is currently inside the conference room for the presentations of our designs for the newest real estate of Drakes Corporation. Our supervisor is restless and nervous. Well, we are too, especially that I am the one assigned to the actual presentation of the interior design since it was the one approved.
"Not what you're thinking. We went to Vernus to visit mommy…" I avoided Cana's eyes and stared at Levy who's currently busy with the projector.
"Ohh! Meet the mom? Anyway, do you know whose company is our today's clients?"
I rolled my eyes at her. I know she'll point that out. "I know. That's why Architect is nervous, it's under Dreyars, right?"
Cana smirked annoyingly at me. "Yup, and particularly the Dragneel's corporation, right?"
I rolled my eyes again. She's probably thinking that Natsu would be here. I don't think so…
"Come on, Lu! The Drakes Corporation owns… what? Those security services, investigations and all… and I heard that the reason why they ventured into real estates is because Natsu Dragneel personally wants to. So most probably, our client will be him!"
I opted not to reply as nervousness slowly crept to my system. Why haven't I thought of that? I just took into account that he's a part of the Drakes, the security services… I haven't even thought that he may represent the whole company today?
"This is their second real estate and I heard it's for the high-endcustomers. I'm sure he'll show up here!"
I shook my head. "And so?" I tried to sound okay.
I went back to the last time we were together. I lost it there. I became too emotional in front of him. He's a monster and I can't believe I let my guard down around him that time!
"Well, I'm just saying that you two might see each other here… and yeah, he's here…"
Natsu's wearing a black suit when he entered the double doors of the conference room. Unlike his aura last time, he's more intense now. His eyes met mine once and my breathe was caught in my throat. Dammit! I quickly tore my gaze and avoided his eyes while he loosened his red tie as if he just came from a heavy and stressful meeting.
He was with a much older man, probably one of their major stock holder, two body guards and a woman his age.
"Good afternoon, sir!" Levy greeted.
I also joined Cana in greeting in a hushed voice. I looked at Natsu who's now sitting comfortably in a chair designated for them.
He's looking at his watch like he's worried about the time because he still has an appointment later. I can't help but notice how perfectly angled his jaw was. His sharp nose is defined more by his intense eyes. His chin is resting on his right hand while his left stayed on his crossed legs, eyes are squinting meticulously at the presentation displayed in the huge monitor in front.
"Shall we start?" our supervisor asked.
The old man beside Natsu nodded, signaling the start of the presentation.
The initial plan of our supervisor is to ask what our clients wanted for this project, but… of course, he already knows beforehand. He just wants to point out something.
"Number one is security…" He explained how the houses he designed were good for high end clients. He also showed some additional designs for choices which is aside from the first fifteen designs he presented in the last meeting.
Natsu pursed his lips. I couldn't stop myself from staring at his inviting lips. I remembered the time when he kissed me. How could his mouth taste like that?
Wait… What the hell, Lucy? Since when did you fantasize a man this hard? Crap! Even his lips? Thirsty much?
"Lucy Heartfilia, one of our interior designers…"
I almost jumped when our supervisor called me. The sound of my heartbeats doubled in intensity as I walked towards the center of the room which became dimly lighted for my presentation. Levy accompanied me to help in case someone asked.
"The designs I will present are based on the past high-endclients we had. We tweaked some of them for a finer touch." My eyes stayed at the designs displayed on the huge monitor in front.
The screen showed the sofas we've chosen.
"Most of the furniture are Crocus made…" I looked to Natsu who's now playing with his pen.
He's smiling. I can feel the formation of another wave of nervousness inside me. Holy hell! I feel like my knees are shaking while he's staring at me this hard.
"Those are suitable for the design of the houses – modern and classy. It comes with four themes… Most of it are minimalist since most clients, from what we've heard, are young bachelors. They prefer a minimalistic design. But of course, we also have designs suited for starting families…"
I looked at Natsu again. He's eyes are still on me and it traveled down to my body.
"O-Our w-window treatment… de-depends on the house's design." Holy hell!
He played with his pen again. He shifted from one side to another and I saw how the corner of his lips rose.
"I think it's great. What do you think?" he asked to his old companion.
I stopped talking because of what he said. He turned to look at the businessman beside him, "Well, if you think it's great then… I trust you, Mr. Dragneel."
Natsu turned to me again. His eyebrow is curved upward and I feel like he's challenging me.
"We'll close the deal…" he said.
His eyes were deep and burning. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him since I feel like he's preventing me to do so.
"That's great!" our supervisor shouted.
They immediately went closer to the clients for a handshake. I stayed where I was. Natsu stood up to properly offer his hands to out supervisor and the team.
"Thank you, Sir! You won't regret this." Cana said, malicous eyes directed at Natsu who smirked at her. What?
He turned to the woman beside him, "Do I still have time?"
The woman nodded. It's most likely his secretary, "You still have twenty minutes, Sir."
His old shareholder stood up and faced Natsu.
"Are you going to stay here at the Dreyar Building? I have a lunch meeting with my son."
"Sure, Mr. Yajima. You may go…" they shook hands.
They bid good bye and their congratulations. My teammates are all happy. Our supervisor's smile is huge and by the looks of it, he wouldn't be so moody today! It feels like he wants to give anything Natsu wants.
Natsu turned to our supervisor. Levy is already partying with our other teammates. He whispered something to him. Our supervisor's smile is still etched to his face. Natsu wasn't even finished talking when he nodded in agreement.
Architect looked at me before he shooed our team away.
"You all may go to our office now. You can have your break, good job everyone."
I was about to celebrate when I saw how his eyes returned to me.
"Lucy, you stay…" he even nodded as if he's encouraging me.
"Sir?" I rose an eyebrow.
Oh no! No! No! No! Cana and Levy smirked at me while the other paid no attention. They left the conference room and Architect also bid good bye. Natsu even told his secretary to wait elsewhere so it is only the two of us left inside the huge room.
Now the big conference room is small for the both of us. I took a deep breath and crossed my arms under me chest.
"What is it?" I asked even though I have the tiniest bit of hint of what's going to happen.
"Let's sit down and talk…" Natsu said like we're doing a business deal.
"No!"
He laughed, "Just sit down and we'll talk first…"
Natsu pulled me a seat in front of him. I only stared at it.
"Be professional, come on. Please, sit…"
"I didn't know that professionalism is needed for this kind of deal?" I said.
I took a seat to meet his gaze. His eyes are blazed. I feel like my nervousness will push me to nauseate but of course I didn't let it show.
"I can't understand why you don't want this. You're obviously fantasizing about me."
My jaw dropped. What an arrogant bastard!
"This could benefit the both of us. I can fulfill your fantasies. You can give me mine…"
Memories of what happened days ago came like a whirlwind in my head. My cheeks heated. I couldn't help but remember how his body moved under mine. How his strokes made me moan! For fuck's sake, Lucy!
"It's a give and take relationship."
"Oh!" My eyes rolled, "As you can see, I have enough drama going on with my life. I don't need another drama. What happened between us is just pure lust and –"
"Exactly!" His face lit up. "We won't have that drama because it will just be just an arrangement. No relationship. At all!"
My eyes squinted. Hell no! I don't know if saying that I have a boyfriend is still applicable when I'm not even sure if Sting is still my boyfriend!
"Why don't you offer some other girl? Maybe your secretary or what…"
He pouted, "Please… I offered you this because I want you. Why are you tossing me to other women?"
I craned my neck. His gaze slightly went down to my lips, "Because all you want is physical relationship. Other girls can give it to you…"
"I want you, isn't that enough reason?" His features darkened.
"And you really think I want you too?" was my snob response.
"Don't kid yourself. There's a reason why you're not able to do that with Sting – "
"I was drunk when we did that!" I almost shouted.
"Were you so drunk that you begged me to do it?"
I laughed, "You are so full of yourself! Do you really admire yourself to be that arrogant?"
"I'm stating facts that I'm sure you remembered!"
I've met so many arrogant men but never this arrogant! Natsu's air shouts confidence to the level of arrogance. I don't know if I'll laugh or be amazed by it. It's like he knows that he'll cause a commotion. He knows that many people out there are fantasizing about him. It made me think if I'm one of them, if I also have thoughts about him. Him on top of me, sweating and biting his lip!
I closed my eyes hard to distract myself from those thoughts.
"Look, Lucy. You gave in that night and I know you enjoyed it… so much…" a wave of heat crossed his eyes. "You can enjoy it again with me. You and I both know we enjoyed it. You're thirsty, Lucy. I can quench it if you want… If you let me…"
I took a deep breath, "No!"
"Bullshit! You want it! I can see it! This is hard for you because you want it too!" he continued.
I opened my mouth to disagree again when my phone rang for a call. A miracle, indeed, for him to call. I looked at Natsu who's still waiting for my reply. His eyes also went down to my phone.
In there was Sting's name… This guy is calling me. I don't know for what reason or if I should answer it. My gut told me I should answer it so without a word, I turned away from Natsu.
"Hello?"
In the start of the call, I can hear nothing aside from the little and hushed squeaks in the background.
"Hello? Sting?" I asked, brows no furrowed.
Natsu slightly shifted. I rolled my eyes at him to properly hear whatever Sting has to say.
"Ahh! Ahh!" Soft moans enveloped my ears.
At first, I thought this is a prank. I looked at the phone's screen and saw that the line hasn't been cut.
"Sting… Ahh! Don't stop! Shit! Ahh!"
My hands are trembling. This made me want to puke. I slightly tossed my phone to the table after turning it off. What the hell? Just… what the hell?
Rage consumed my system. What the hell was that? Whatever it is between me and Sting is now gone in my system. That was the last straw of it!
"What did he say?" Natsu asked in a serious tone.
I couldn't speak. I can't believe I heard that! Noon? Really, Sting? The sun is fucking alive and you're doing… it?
"What did he say?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"Nothing…" I answered and breath out all the anger from my system. Slowly. This is definitely not a good idea. Not a good idea. "How is this… that you want?"
He looked stoned and couldn't move. His eyes darkened. He took a deep breath before regaining his composure.
"Break up with that dog…" he breathed out.
"Tss… I thought there would be no strings attached? So what if I have a relationship with him?"
"I don't understand why you have to put up with him. You two look over…"
"Oh? Didn't you research about me?" I rose an eyebrow. "You know me, right?"
Natsu's jaw clenched. "Fine. If you don't want to break up with him, just keep your relationship this way… no contact. And no fucking with him. Definitely no."
"Why? Are you jealous?" my right eyebrow remained curved upward.
He smirked, "No… I just want you clean so I'll be clean too."
I almost stand up abruptly because of what he said. This crude! "And how can I be sure that you are clean, huh?"
"I can give you my medical certificate tomorrow. You need to be checked too."
My cheeks heated. He talks like this is just the next project.
"Well! If you're clean then I am too." You're the only man who touched me. Ever!
He was shocked because of what I've said. "Didn't you and Sting go to a hotel after your work on… wait… you didn't?"
"You stalker!" I abruptly stood up. "Didn't your investigator report that nothing happened?" I said sarcastically.
His jaw clenched. He looked so pissed and ready to back out. Why? I don't know…
"So I am your first and only…"
