Chapter 44: A Millionaire, His Suit And Poor Me Chapter 44

I never thought that I would be comfortable, or even a little happy, waking up with my mouth full of hair and my left armcompletely numb. And yet here I am, tangled up on Noras in a position that probably shouldn't have been relaxing, moresatisfied than I have been in a long time.The alarm clock was ringing from across the room, so I reluctantly detached myself from his hot body and dragged myseltto the kitchen to turn it off. It was almost eight o'clock, and I already had seven missed calls, more than a hundred emailand fourteen messages from my secretary.I dialed the office number, annoyed. The usual, cheerful voice that belonged to him... Laura? — answered almostimmediately. “Henris Office Steve, how can I help you?”“It's Henris," I said abruptly. “What's going on over there?”“Oh — oh. Um, well, you have an early appointment and a lunch scheduled with Mr. Malik and his fiancee. And she wasn'there before... so I just called to make sure you weren't sick. Um, yeah."I slumped down on a stool. “What time is my appointment?”“9:30 a.m., Mr. Steve!"“Good. I'll be there. Thank you, Laura."“Please.’After turning on the kettle and cursing myself for giving Jennifer a day off when I didn't even know how to operate thatdamn coffee machine, I cautiously returned to the living room to wake Noras up. She was curled up like a ball in the midcof the sofa.I couldn't help but smile as I straightened up, my fingers tracing the skin of his bare arm, followed quickly by the tip of mnose, then my lips. She uttered a low moan and pressed herself even closer to the sofa, which provoked me more.“Wake up, wake up, wake up,’ I whispered, kissing her shoulders. “I have to go to work, and I think you do too. We need ashower”“Nngh."“Hm, I'll take that as a yes With that, I lifted her up, my arms under her thighs and her back to carry her upstairs. She maa little protest sound and bumped against my chest for a few seconds before giving up and dropping her head.Noras let out a slight yawn. “There are better ways to wake a person up, you know?”“I tried to wake you up by kissing you, Noras."“The same. He lowered his head deeper when we crossed the threshold of the bathroom. “Anyway, I don't have to go towork today. Jace and I have a day off for being the best employees in the world.”I let her down with an amused smile. “Really?”Noras hit me with what must have been an attempt at intimidation, but it didn't really work. It was only when I burst outlaughing that she gave up with a sigh. “All right, all right. The office is closed today for something. I haven't got a clue. Assoon as I read “office closed, I pulled out the email.”Smiling, 1 got into the shower and turned on the powerful jet. Her little hands wrapped around my waist from behind, herforehead between my shoulder blades and her warm breath against my back. He pushed us forward until we were bothunder the stream of hot water.We washed lazily, leaning on each other because of the lack of caffeine in our bodies. I washed her hair and kissed herback between her shoulders, then behind her neck, then on the knots of her spine. She turned away from my touch withchuckle, only to be quickly turned around and hugged.Noras smiled at me. “Your turn"“You still have soap in your hair”with more laughter and after making sure that there was no more shampoo in her wavy hair, he returned the favor with aaffectionate look. He brushed against me, kissed my cheeks, and wiped the shampoo that was in danger of getting intoeyes.He bit his lower lip, adjusting my new hairstyle. “It suits you well," he finally said. “Ym sure the employees would think thyou are the coolest boss in the world if you went to work like this.”“They already think I'm the coolest boss ever!’“Absolutely not’, he mocks, fixing his hair that was falling out, “there is no way”.“They think sol insisted. Noras let out another big laugh as I brought her back under the water to rinse us off. I ran myfingers through my hair with the intention of removing the foam. “They love me."is hand slipped around my waist, lingering on the power too... written in ink. “I love you."And my god, the way it came out of her mouth so casually made my fingers sink into the skin of her hips. The floor didn’tstop moving like the first time he said it, and my heart didn't beat as fast as that time, but my God.I knew I couldn't tell her the same thing. In fact, I was practically convinced that I couldn't, even if I wanted to, becauseevery time she said it, I froze like a child. “Why did you say that, Noras?”“Because I can'He replied, defensively and more piquant than ever.I closed my eyes. “What if I can’t answer you the same way?"“Then nothing will change.”“0k; I sighed, pulling her wet body closer to mine. “Ok”Even in my head it was difficult to think of these words. I wanted to tell her how I felt, but I couldn't. I knew how muchdamage those words had caused, and I would never do that to Noras. I knew that I was not able to pronounce these wordat the moment, but I could show her and I hoped that this would be enough.I stooped down and kissed her in the hope of translating what I wanted to say. “I have to go to work, Noras."“Or you can let it go, watch movies and eat Chinese with me.”“Ym already late. I have an appointment and lunch with someone.’He stuck out his tongue playfully before exiting the shower with the glass doors open, leaving a trail of wet footprints asexited the bathroom. I finished cleaning myself before turning off the water and taking a towel.After drying off and shaving quickly, I went to the bedroom and found Noras, still wrapped in her towel, in my wardrobe,staring in wonder, affectionately running her hands over the sleeves of my jackets. “They are so beautiful’, she whisperec“ want them all".“Hm, if only I had my size.”The brunette nodded and gave me a mischievous smile. “Which one will you wear?”“One that is clean.’“You don't deserve good things."Amused, I ran my hand over the now smooth chin. “Choose me a suit to wear. And a matching tie."Turning on my heels, I left the room just in time to see a look of absolute joy appear on her face, which could only comefrom someone who works with clothes for a living. I didn't even know the brand of half of these suits; I just went to thestores and bought what the seller had chosen.A few minutes later, Noras came out of my dressing room, wearing a black jacket with a snow-white shirt, as well as a tiearound her neck. “Get up.'She ordered me. 1 tried to hide my smile by not getting up and she pulled the clothes up again:my chest before nodding. “This one, definitely.”“I need some pants, Noras."He taunted me loudly. “Of course. Where are those jeans you got on? The ones that are really tight?”“t will not wear jeans to work."“Yes, you will. You'll be super cute."“I have an appointment today."“Aren't you, like, the boss? I'm pretty sure you can wear whatever you want.’I put my forehead on his shoulder with a grunt. This woman was going to be the death for me. “All right”He uttered an exaggerated cry. “Perfect. I'm going to get my clothes from last night.’The very annoying girl in the towel left the room while I was looking at her. It was only when she was out of my sight andcould think of something other than how easily I could take off her towel that I got dressed.The outfit she chose is something that I would never have worn, but that seemed right to me. I adjusted my collar one lastime before putting on my boots and going downstairs, where Noras was sitting at the counter sipping a coffee.He opened his eyes wide when he looked at me, shamelessly squaring me up from head to toe. “Don’t even try to tell methat you don't like this outfit”I puckered my lips. “Would you like something for breakfast?”“Coffee is fine with me."He replied. “Can you drop me off at my apartment on the way to work?”“Yes. You're coming with me to a business lunch at 12:30, so be ready for noon. I'll send you James."Noras choked on her coffee in a way that could only be considered funny. “Working lunch?”“That's what I said. Come on, I don’t want to be any more late than I already am."I didn’t know when I had reached the point where I couldn't even go eat without Noras. It was not planned that it wouldhappen this way. It was planned that everything would be under control and random, until Noras got tired of me. But I wathere, I was already wondering if she would be okay with f*****g Italian food.“Hurry up.I said sharply. “I said I was late.”By lunchtime, I was ready to bite the head off of anyone who would venture into the realm that was my office. I croucheddown in my chair, throwing my pen against the wall and stretching out my aching fingers. I had gone to two appointment:and 1 was done with this day.I tried not to lose patience with my employees, but with each of them, I felt that I was about to lose it. They seemed towant to annoy me, and I could only stand a few of them before I started banging my head against my desk out ofannoyance.The ringing of my phone was, for once, a welcome sound. “Steve,” I answered sharply.“Mr. Steve, James says the car is waiting for you downstairs.”“Thank you, Laura.”I ended the call without even hearing his answer and got up, relieved to be wearing the jeans that Noras had chosen andnot uncomfortable pants. The few employees who dared to take an amused look at my outfit this morning received anangry look and quickly ran away.My impatience grew with each digit that lit up in the elevator. Four f****g hours of paperwork and fees pissed me off ancpushed me to my limit. Arriving on the ground floor, I walked quickly to the waiting car and climbed into the back seat.“Hey... mmf.."His greeting was interrupted by my lips rubbing against his in a violent kiss. There was no time for greetingsno hesitation or dry kisses. I didn't have time to do all this when it was the only break I had in my day.I moved closer to her again and brought her to my lap, my fingers sinking into the soft skin of her thighs and my free hangoing up to the fabric against her spine. She gave herself up against me shortly after, settling against my chest.It wasn't until I heard James open the door that I moved, my forehead resting against his and breathing heavily. “Noras."She laughed softly. “Good to see you too, Mr. Steve”“How has your day been so far?”“Bella. Jace, Liam and I made breakfast - or they made it, I just watched - and then we watched reruns of America’s NextTop Model. Then Louis and Liam started playing football in our living room, which is obviously ridiculous, so then I wentout shopping He took a deep breath and smiled at me. “Yours rather?”“frustrating”I looked at her. “And I would prefer if you didn’t spend time with Liam."“Ym sorry. And I'll see Liam anyway."“Don’t worry. Noras, could we not do this now?”She moved away from my lap, much to my chagrin, then buckled on the seat belt next to mine. “Then... Why am I going tobusiness lunch with you?"“This is not a business lunch, this is a lunch with my business partner from England. His fiancee will be there, so I thoughit would be appropriate for me to bring some company too.”“Oh. Okay." Noras was wiggling her fingers a little and I could see her looking at me out of the corner of her eye with thatdamn curious look she had, obviously wanting to say something else but not saying anything.I frowned after a few minutes filled with his curious looks. “What, Noras? Say what you want."“I don't know what you're talking about.”“As always, you are a horrible liar”“All right, OKAY. You said “company”. Am I your company?”“No."I said. His face scowled, and I could be considered a disgusting living being for having made his expression such. “Yoare my daughter.”The restaurant was on the top floor and was completely full when we arrived. I approached the waitress, whose eyesimmediately fell on the tight jeans I was wearing, and asked for our table. “Booked under the name of Malik."The woman smiled at me. “This way, sir”After having passed all the tables next to each other, we arrived at ours, placed in the most hidden corner, away from thecrowd. The raven-haired man I immediately recognized as Zayn was sitting next to a woman with bleached hair and brighpink lipstick.zayn got up when I approached and held out his hand to me. “Mr. Steve, it's good to see you. And you, who are you?" Hesmiled, shifting his gaze to Noras, who seemed about to melt under his f*****g bright smile and his undulating eyes.I frowned and drew her to my side with a warning look. “This is Noras. My girlfriend.’“Nice to meet you!'She said in a low voice.“And this must be your lovely girlfriend? Perrie, is that it?”The woman dressed in bright colors stood up and offered me her hand covered with sumptuous rings. “Girlfriend, actuallIt's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Steve.”“Please, call me Henris."Noras had to stifle her giggles at my politeness, and if it hadn't been such a pleasant sound to hear or feel, the way shelowered her head into the palm of her hand and avoided my gaze, I probably would have been absolutely furious.Instead, I pushed my chair so that she would sit down and took a seat next to her, opposite Perrie and next to Zayn at thesquare table. A waitress appeared next to us and immediately filled our glasses with water, then offered us wine, whichgladly accepted.When he left, Zayn smiled at me and settled into his chair. “So, do you like living in the United States, Henris? Is he treatityou well?”“It's really good. What's it like in London?”“still the same old stuff” he said. “It's raining and there are way too many assholes to handle."“Assholes are everywhere, man. When did you two get engaged?”perrie smiled tenderly at Zayn before answering. Two months ago. We have just started planning the wedding. It's hard todo with her work schedules.”“Well, congratulations.'l answered.“Now, how long have you and Noras been together? I don't think Zayn told me a girl was coming."I looked at Noras, who was smiling, lowering her head to her hands instead of making eye contact with everyone as onlyshe could do. “Noras?"His head rose at the tone of my voice. “How long have we been together?”“Um. Like, one day?"Perrie and Zayn raised their eyebrows, asking for an explanation as soon as Noras' face began to blusShe quickly went back on her words, stammering until I put my hand on her knee. “Like, a month or more. I don't... Yep...month."She bit her lip. “Is this bag from the Fall 2014 collection?”.Perrie let out a cry of contentment and the two women approached, frantically pointing to the black bag hanging onPerrie’s chair. On the other side, Zayn shook his head with an affectionate smile before turning his attention back to me.He uncrossed his fingers and put his elbows on the table, looking exactly like the businessman I knew. “So, Henris. Sincethey have a weird obsession with my girlfriends purse, are you ready to talk business?”“With happiness, Mr. Malik"The man looked at me closely. It was strange to have someone who defies me, or at least who does not comply with all mdesires. Malik knew that I desperately needed his support if I wanted to develop in England, and he had the upper hand.50," he began, “what exactly are your plans for the merger? Why do you want to open an office in London?”I shrugged my shoulders casually. “The money. And I want to go home one day. I need a way to start my investments therand your company provides it. We can help each other"“Your company is practically new. I think that's a big risk to take, Henris."“My company was one of the fastest growing in the world last year. This is unprecedented. And with your offices alreadyexpanded in London, I could bring money to our merger. This would allow both mine and yours to develop.”“What if it doesnt happen? And if it fails?”“It won't happen.’zayn let out a big laugh and settled back in his chair, the wary frown replaced by an easy smile. “I like your assurance,Steve. We need to arrange a meeting soon. I would also like you to come to London.”“Thank you, Mr. Malik.’Before the conversation could continue, the waitress returned, the drinks in one hand and the appetizers in the other. Shtook our orders quickly and ran away, leaving us to chat over fresh bread and good wine.The rest of the lunch was spent with Noras and Perrie, who discussed the latest trends and some fashion shows they.wanted to go to, then the Super Bowl, and finally telling stories.At the end of this period, I got to know Zayn quite well as a person and considered him a worthy business partner. Ourrespective girlfriends seemed to have sympathized a lot and ended up exchanging their phone numbers promising to seeeach other again.Noras was all smiles as we walked out, my arm wrapped around her waist and his attention focused on Perri, despite thefact that she was unconsciously moving closer to me. I left a fleeting kiss on her forehead before letting her shake Zayn'shand and give Perrie a quick kiss on the cheek to say goodbye.“I can't believe you're putting up with the Broncos. Like, f**k, you still have to pick the Seahawks.”“Broncos, easy. They have the upper hand and have more experience. We can bet if you want."He punched me in the arm laughing as we entered the elevator. “Shut up, Henris. The Seahawks have the SuperBowl andthat's it”And yes, that's my favorite thing about Noras. Not only would she call me out on my bullshit and make me feel guiltywhenever I misbehaved, but we could also talk about endless topics.Her little hand has surrounded mine. “So, what is this business thing?"“Negotiate a merger with your company. It is located in London, which is the city where I want to develop. He will give mefirst aid."The elevator started going up to the top floor, only to stop after a few minutes. The doors opened and two men who werewaiting with folders entered the elevator without even looking, which made me clear my throat in annoyance.The bald guy went cold as soon as he saw me. Oh, um, we'll take the next one. Sir, Mr. Steve. Sir”“Thank youl said ironically.Noras rolled her eyes affectionately and bent down to give me a quick kiss on the lips as soon as the doors closed. “Youare naughty. I told you you weren't the coolest boss."“Ym always the coolest’, I replied while playing, “Tell me how cool I am”.“No. Absolutely not.”I grabbed her hips and pushed her until she hit the wall of the elevator, a mischievous glint in her eyes and her lower lipbetween her teeth. Getting even closer, I pressed my lips in a straight line and stopped right next to his face.“Now Noras," I warned her, “tell me how cool 1am."“If not?”With a grunt, I slipped my hands around her waist and brought our hips together. “say itHe made a pathetic attempt to hide his smile. “No chance, Mr. Steve.”The discomfort crossed me as soon as the doors opened. With a little laugh, Noras passed under my arm and went out orthe top floor, greeting my secretary with a big smile as soon as she passed. Laura looked at her, her mouth wide open.My furious girlfriend opened the doors of my boring office, sending me a mischievous smile behind her back. I quicklyfollowed her and entered my room, to find her sitting, cross-legged, on my desk, without worrying about the world.“Noras,” I said slowly, “I have work to do."“Calm down, Mr. Steve. Is it against office policy to have s*x on your desk?”My mouth opened wide, because it was Noras, the same woman who stuttered while talking and who couldn't get into afucking car without tripping. But somehow, this same Noras was sitting on the edge of my desk like a f*****g sensual bitc“Don’t call me Mr. Steve."He raised an eyebrow. “So it's against politics? Would we be breaking any rules?”I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to regain control of the situation, because what was happening there wasdifferent from anything I had done with Noras until that dayAfter a second of recovery, I dragged myself to where she was sitting on my desk, already taking off my tie as I passed,stopping between her legs. “Well, Noras," I reflected, “since I was the one who created these rules in the first place, I thin}it's only fair that I can reject them.”He shrugged his shoulders and began to undo the buttons on my shirt. “It suits me, Mr. Steve."“My God," I growled, pushing my mouth over hers. “I absolutely hate it when you call me that.”