Across town, the luxury signage of DREAM SCENT Fragrances gleamed beneath the morning sun as Mike stepped out of a sleek black car. His eyes scanned the surroundings, expression cold and calculating.
Just as he approached the glass doors with Grace behind him, they slid open and out stepped Louis, dressed in a tailored grey suit, sunglasses perched on his nose. The two men stopped briefly, their eyes locking.
It wasn't a dramatic moment. No words. Just a single, sharp glance.
Mike's expression didn't shift. His jaw was firm, his posture commanding. Louis merely offered a brief nod before walking past him, the scent of his cologne lingering faintly behind.
Mike didn't look back. He seemed to not know who he was
He walked through the lobby, greeted by a receptionist who nervously stood at attention. "Mr. Mike," she said, "Mr. Chambers is expecting you. Top floor, executive wing."
Mike said nothing, only offered a nod before entering the elevator. His reflection stared back at him in the mirrored walls, unreadable, there was not much difference between him and Kyle, always cold and expressionless
The elevator opened with a soft chime to a private office space that oozed sophistication and heritage.
Behind a large mahogany desk sat Mr. Nathaniel Chambers, founder and CEO of DREAM SCENT. His hair was silver and slicked back, his posture straight despite the weight of time.
"Mike," Nathaniel said, rising and offering a firm handshake. "It's been a long time coming."
Mike accepted the shake. "I'm here to make the transition seamless, Mr. Chambers, sorry for keeping you waiting" Mike apologized.
They both sat down.
Nathaniel smiled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "No need to apologize, I know your schedules are tight," he said and Mike nodded.
"As you know I've poured my entire life into DREAM SCENT. But I have no children. No heirs. My wife passed away ten years ago. This company… it was our dream, although it's such a small firm but it has its own potential"
Mike nodded. "I understand sir"
"I know it's my dream for the company to grow and for its legacy to pass on but still I don't understand why Mr Wade would want to purchase something this insignificant when he can buy a bigger firm" Mr Chambers asked
"Mr Wade has his reasons and he has requested you transfer ownership to one Mrs. Medley at the gala coming up"
"Medley?" He repeated as if he remembered something
"Yes!" Mike replied and Mr Chambers smiled, he didn't push it further cause he knew Kyle was not a man of many words and so was his trusted bodyguard Mike.
Silence.
The room was filled with the scent of rare oud and sandalwood, the essence of the brand. Papers were laid out, Grace went through the terms and gave Mike the summary of it, Mike discussed the final terms with Nathaniel. After much discussion and the deal neared its conclusion, Nathaniel looked out the window, his voice distant. "This company deserves a future way better than I gave it, that's why I never sold it to Mr Carter. And… I believe whomever Mr Wade is purchasing it for, must have hidden potentials."
Mike got to his feet without much words and said "be rest assured sir"
They exchanged final handshakes as the deal came to conclusion.
****
Louis slammed the front door shut, his jaw clenched, anger radiating off him.
Cassie peeked from the kitchen, drying her hands. "You're back early."
He didn't respond. He just pulled off his watch and tossed it on the table with more force than necessary.
"Didn't go well?" she asked gently.
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Chambers refused, said DREAM SCENT was already bought."
"What do you mean bought?" Cassie asked raising her brow
His voice was low, bitter. "I drove across the city just for him to toss me out like a nobody."
Cassie stepped closer, watching the tension coil in his shoulders. "You're not a nobody," she murmured, slipping her arms around him from behind. "Mr Chambers probably isn't aware of your potentials, I'm sure whom ever he sold it to, must be a loser"
He didn't move. Just stood there, silent.
"Poor baby," she whispered near his ear. "You're not used to hearing no, are you?"
Cassie slowly unbuttoned his shirt, placing soft kisses along his spine. "Let me help you forget for a while…" she whispered
"You know," she purred, "you still have me… and I never say no."
Louis turned slightly, his eyes flicking down to her lips. "Don't play games with me, Cassie. Not tonight."
Her hand drifted lower. "Who said anything about playing?"
Her hands slid down his chest, fingertips teasing his nipples before trailing lower, grazing over the ridges of his abdomen until she felt him stiffen beneath her touch.
"You drive me insane," he growled, capturing her mouth in a bruising kiss.
His hands gripped her thighs, lifting her easily before tossing her onto the couch. She gasped, breath stolen as he yanked her skirt up to her waist, eyes burning with need.
"You want rough?" he rasped, kneeling between her legs.
"I want you," she whispered, already breathless.
"Then take me." Louis didn't wait. He slid her panties aside, guiding himself to her entrance and plunging in deep. Cassie cried out, the force of it jolting her backward. But her eyes fluttered shut, her body arching, welcoming the pressure, the depth, the raw heat of it.
He set a punishing rhythm, holding her hips down as he drove into her over and over, their skin slapping loud and hot in the quiet room.
Cassie gripped the cushions, moaning helplessly, her nails clawing at the leather. "Louis!! oh God yes!!!"
He leaned down, biting her shoulder gently, growling into her ear, "Say you're mine."
"I'm yours," she gasped. "Every part of me is yours."
With one final thrust, Louis buried himself deep and groaned her name, Just as he was about to climax, he pulled out and emptied onto her ass with their bodies trembling together.
Breathless and sweating, he collapsed over her, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
She smiled weakly. "I love you Louis" she said smiling faintly at him
He kissed her skin. "I love you too Cassie, always will"