PLEASURE ISN'T HIS INTEREST

He eyed her coldly as she sauntered into his office, her dress clinging tightly to her curves, with a slit so high it revealed her thighs. "What brings you all the way?" he asked, uninterested.

She scoffed at his lack of hospitality. "Not going to offer me a seat?"

"No need for that, go straight to the point. I don't want you feeling comfortable in my office!" he retorted, his tone biting.

"Is it just me or did your coldness double up? You seem more arrogant than the last time," she prodded.

"Get to it, Delauress!" he spoke icily.

"I want you, Beryl!" she exclaimed, without a hint of shame, as she put her leg out of her dress, making the slit even more conspicuous. "We both know how this works, right? You give me good sex but no strings attached!"

"I'm not interested!" he said, making his disdain clear.

"Come on, Beryl, it's just sex! Besides, we'll both enjoy the act. Don't you miss pounding me on your table?" she pleaded, with a seductive smile.

"That was three years ago. Sex doesn't interest me anymore," he said negligently, scrutinizing her with his eyes and making her feel small.

"Are you really turning me down, Beryl?" she demanded, her irritation beginning to show.

"I'm not just turning you down, Lauress. I'm telling you never to walk into my company for this reason again," he growled, his eyes flashing with a deadly glint.

"Is it because of that black thing I heard of?" she spat with disgust.

"You have no right to call her that!" he warned, towering over her, his anger palpable.

You know me, Beryl, no one has the right to say no to me. Not even you! She pointed out with gritted teeth.

Don't push me Delauress, I won't hesitate to wipe out your lineage for one mistake! He threatened with his eyes conveying his anger.

She stomped on her feet and arrogantly left his office.

PHONE RINGS.

Hello?

Mr Park, I was wondering if you could come over for dinner, there's something I'd like to discuss with you. He proposed.

We had an agreement, Lockwood! I'm not supposed to see her until her graduation. He reminds him, with an authoritative tone.

I know that already but this is important, it's a matter of life and death. He tries to explain it to him.

What time?

Anytime you choose would be fine, I don't mind, but I'd like to suggest 4:00 PM.

Okay then. I'll be there at exactly 4:00 PM. Don't keep me waiting!

I won't. Beryl disconnected the call.

AT THE LOCKWOODS '

What did he say? She asked hastily.

He'll be here by 4:00 PM prompt.

Sighs in relief. I hope things go well.

"We just want our baby girl to be safe," she whispered, her voice trembling with worry. "Even if things go south…"

Her partner cut her off with a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Me too," he murmured, pulling her close for a comforting embrace. "But no matter what happens, we have each other. And we have Jordan. He knows the truth, and he'll be here for us."

With a sigh, she relaxed into his arms, feeling warm and safe. "I hope you're right," she said softly. "I just want everything to be okay."

"It will be," he promised, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "We'll make sure of it."

Although they were old they showed each other extreme love and affection. This was what they wanted for their daughter although things didn't go as planned. Beryl is the only trustworthy person he can give his daughter to, without regret. He might be ruthless now but he used to be a sweet boy until things went the other way. They knew only he, could protect their innocent scarlet, she was asthmatic and needed all the love she could get. And even if they won't marry out of love they were sure he'll take care of her.

ON CAMPUS

Hi Scarlet, how are you?

Scarlet's heart was pounding in her chest as she heard that familiar voice behind her. Landon. What did he want now? She turned around to face him, her hands shaking slightly. "Hi," she said warily. "What do you want?"

"Nothing much" he replied with a grin. "But I'm more interested in how you're doing. What's an innocent girl like you doing in a place like this?"

Scarlet bristled at the implication that she wasn't supposed to be there. "I can go wherever I want," she said coolly. "And I happen to like this place."

Landon chuckled. "Of course you do. You're a bookworm, always carrying books around with you. But that doesn't mean you're not hiding something under that innocent facade."

Scarlet's stomach dropped as she realized where this conversation was headed. She tried to back away, but Landon stepped closer, his fingers tracing the curve of her neck.

"What's under that skirt, Scarlet?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "Are you just pretending to be pure, or are you really as innocent as you seem?"

Scarlet felt sick to her stomach. She wanted to run away, to find someplace safe, but Landon was too close, too intimidating. "Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Don't touch me."

Landon smirked. "I can touch you if I want to, Scarlet," he said, his hand sliding down her back. "You can't stop me."

Landon...

Shhhhh... relax. Like I said, I'd just like to know what's under that skirt, are you pure, or are you just acting the part?? He taunts trailing his fingers in her hair.

P...please... Landon... I'm sorry for what I did yesterday. It won't happen again... Just... don't touch me. She spoke stuttering. Beads of sweat were beginning to form on her face.

Before he could take another step she started hyperventilating.

Scarlet, ...stop faking things! What are you trying to do? But he got no response, instead, she began searching through her bag for her spray.

Fuck!! No not this. Landon cursed realizing she was having a panic attack. She pulled out her spray and tried inhaling but it was too late because she passed out in the process, he only caught her from falling by luck.

This wasn't what he wanted... Not this! He cursed with regret.