Nights of Fascination

"Yeah yeah, job interview. I get it. No way, a nondisclosure? Scary." She said, hitting a red light. "Of course you were focused on him." She teased, before bursting out at her remark. "Don't worry, your Rikki will arrive in one piece in a couple minutes!" Once there, she made herself right at home. "Yes, that is exactly what I need right now. I'm so tired of all the guys hitting on me at work, it's emotionally draining. This potsticker the solution." She said, stuffing one in her mouth, stopping mid chew to actually look at Addie. "Don't tell me that's what you wore to the interview." she said shocked. "Or did you really change." she licked her fingers, then went over and wiped them off with a rag. "Are you sure you don't want to go clubbing for even an hour?" she pressed. "Who knows, maybe you will find a real attainable man that is sexier then Mr. Tall dark handsome." she said with a grin. She was always trying to set Addie up. "You need someone in your life, g. Your hot and funny and amazingly good at cooking potstickers." She said, picking another one up. "We still need this celebratory drink, either now or another time." She winked, fluttering her naturally long lashes.

@ Jinx...

Addie smiled as Rikki made herself at home. "Of course I didn't wear this to the interview are you nuts? I just changed." Addie beamed. She sat and ate with Rikki. "No way Joe and Kole at it again huh?" she asked and shook her head. "They are losers don't pay them anymore mind hun." she said and shook her friend as Rikki tried to convince her to go clubbing. "No way I'm going to be way to busy for a man in my life and you know that's not my scene. Jimmies is quaint." she said and chuckled. "Besides I don't need any one but you Rikki. You will always be my soulmate, swear off men and marry me!" she said and kissed her best friend noisily on her cheek. "We'll go just right after these." she said and sat at the kitchen bar with Rikki as she tried to get a few other styles in mind. This was a puzzle she was excited to solve. The mystery of the man so private. She would figure out what he wanted and get it for him yet. She just had to take in everything he had already given her. Jace Evans was perhaps the hardest person she had ever tried to read for an art piece. Once they finished their food Rikki talked her into something cuter to wear to Jimmies. They walked down the street together and then into he bar, it was more like a pub but that was alright by her. She didn't want people trying to grind up on her and such. She had gotten lucky with that this weekend. They walked into the bar turning heads as they always did. Addie thought it was Rikki honestly and she was just the other girl. Addie stepped up to the bar and ordered them a couple drinks.

"Well even if you did, you still look hot. I wish I could pull off anything." She giggles, taking a big bite. "Mmhm, and can you believe it. Kole asked me to..." She starts off in a laughing fit, struggling to finish her sentence. "He asked me to...." Bursting out in laughter, she finally gains control of her vocals. "Netflix and chill! And don't get me wrong, I love a good binge but with him... Basically everyone has slept with him in the office." She says. "Addie, noooooo! Don't bore me with this single fanatic act. You are telling me you have no interest whatsoever to settle down?" She said, already knowing her answer. "Well, at least you can avoid all the jerks that exist. Which are mostly everyone." She says. "Except maybe your hot unattainable boss." Rikki smiles at her comment. "Awe, A. I love you so much!" She laughs pulling her into a tight hug. "Yes, fuck all boys! Especially Joe and Kole." she said, excited at the thought of going to Jimmies. Helping her pick something out, Rikki and Addie touched up on there makeup. "Look at us, were bombshells!" Rikki says, checking out her ass in the mirror before pulling her long blonde hair back. "Lets go!" She squeaks, pulling Addie by the hand as soon as they arrived. Right away, Rikki downs a tequila shot and waits as Addie orders some drinks. "Cheers to your new job and getting interviewed by basically the hottest celebrity ever." She grins, holding up her drink.

@ Jinx...

@ bubblybee
Addie shook her head. Rikki always called her hot and she honestly didn't think of herself like that. She was average at best in her mind. Rikki was the hot one. When ever they went out it was Rikki who got picked up not her. Addie couldn't help but join in laughter with her friend as she tried to tell her what Kole was asking for this time. Addie laughed as she finally got it out. "No, uh that is so lame if you want something you shouldn't come up with innuendos to get to it." she said and chuckled. Addie didn't believe you should sleep with just anyone and often Rikki went home with he wrong kind of guy but Addie understood why and supported her friend regardless. Addie rolled her eyes as Rikkie asked the same question she had many times. "When I find the right man I will settle down but until then I'm just not interested." she said and laughed as she brought up her boss. "Oh he made it very clear he is uninterested in any kind of unprofessional relationship with me. He basically said I would spend many sleepless nights alone with little to no help." she laughed. "But that's something I can do very well." she said and shook her head. Addie laughed as her friend said fuck them all. She shook her head. "Come one let's get ready." she said and cleaned up and slipped on her heels looking at her outfit around Rikki checking out her bottom in the mirror. She shrugged and grabbed her wallet and phone stuffing them in her pockets then her keys and they walked down the street to Jimmies. They walked in and sat at the bar. Rikki got her shot and Addie ordered her usual. Jimmie smiled at her from behind the bar. "A new job huh?" he asked. It was often for him to hit on Addie not that she realized it of course. "Congratulations. This rounds on me ladies." He said and Addie smiled. "Thank's Jimmie!" she said as he beamed and got called to the other side of the bar. Addie smiled sipping at her drink. She didn't want to have a hang over for her first day at work tomorrow.

"Right?" Rikki twirled a long strand of blond hair around her finger. "Like, I'm a grown women. I'm not afraid to say lets have sex." She laughs, taking a sip of her Caesar. "Like come on, I only have one life so might as well enjoy it. Plus, I always make sure they supply an updated STD scan." She says proudly. Rikki watched Jimmie carefully, whispering to Addie once he had went to serve some other girls with their friends. "Addie, oh my god. When will you realize Jimmie is hitting on you?" She says. "Honestly, if you wanted, you could probably have him." She said teasingly, before eyeing out some handsome men sitting together at a table. Her eyes drifted back to Addie begging her having a feeling that Addie wouldn't be down. "C'mon Addie, please." Rikki said with her big round eyes trying to imitate a puppy. "You don't even have to flirt. Just come sit with us, I just wanna see if we can get them to dance with us." She said. "Just harmless dancing, I swear." She said. "And I promise on my grave that I will not take one home, but I am totallyyyyyyy in the mood for some moves. You have a awesome new paying job, and we can leave whenever you wanna!" She said, trying to bargain time to flirt. Rikki was quite wild, jumping from man to man and always trying to get Addie in her boat and being the life of the party. Her long locks and stunning physique always attracted the wrong people, and having had her heart broken one too many times she was just enjoying the single life with no strings now. Part of why her and Addie got along was how polar opposite they could be, but yet they were also so similar and got along perfectly. She loved her best friend with all her heart having been friends forever. "Please please please, if you get uncomfortable or wanna go just grab me. Lets have fun! It's not even late yet." She smiled.

@ Jinx...

Addie laughed a little nervous at the tap of STD's. Rikki was actually one of the reasons she hadn't slept with anyone yet as well as the fact no one peaked her interest in that way. She loved Rikki but there just seemed to much heartache and complication with having sex with someone you didn't even know. Rikki talked about Jimmie hitting on her and she laughed. "He's just a friend Rikki you know that." she said and smiled. Rikki begged her to go sit with two handsome men so she could flirt and Addie sighed. "Okay but only if I get to say when we leave." she said and took her drink and walked over with Rikki leading the way. She slipped into the chair and greeted the men sitting there with a simple handshake. She smiled gently at them. They chatted with Rikki and Addie smiled participating when she had to until one of the men took a liking to Rikki and the other leaned over to her trying to talk to her. She smiled politely but she was really uninterested in anything he was talking about until he turned the conversation over to her. "Rikki was saying you just got a new job? Where?" he asked and Addie smiled. "Evan Corporations. I'll be an art finder. I'm really excited to start." she said and the man smiled. "Isn't the CEO Jace Evans?" he asked and she smiled and nodded. "Yes, he's a very precise man. I look forward to working for him." she said and he laughed. "Surely not. I heard all his employees work super hard and often late." he said and Addie nodded. "Yes and they are paid richly for there services." she said and he frowned realizing his mistake. "Oh yeah I'm sure the benefits are great." he said and smiled. "So what kind of pieces are you looking or?" he asked and Addie smiled loving to talk about art and she started to talk about some local pieces she had in mind to take a look at but really she couldn't make any decisions until she knew the cliental. He started to look board and then asked her to dance and just for the distraction she accepted since Rikki was already dancing.

Rikki smiles flirtatiously. "Yes, Addie got the job right away." She said fondly of her best friend. "And she got interviewed personally, not just by any assistant or clerk. Personally!" She folds her hands together. A hip song comes on, the beat exciting. Gasping, Addie grabs the handsome tan man. "Care to take me for a dance?" She grins happily, leaving the man alone with Addie. "A, just let me know when your ready to leave!" She calls after as he pulls Rikki right away and dips her back. Heaving out a gasp, she grabs onto his bicep. "Whoah! You know how to dance." She says, trying to keep up as they get swept away. The other man, visiting with Addie listens to her. "Uh huh, so what kind of art are you into? You must be very creative." He says. "You look the type. You look... smart." He laughs. "Care to join me?" He stands up and offers his hand. "I know your hot friend Rikki over there is really hitting it off with my buddy, but I think I got the better one this time." He takes Addie's hand when she accepts it. Pulling her out, he swings her around just as a firm hand shoves him off. "Whoah man! Easy." He looks to see who it is. "Whoah! What the fuck, Addie! Is this your boss?" he says, immediately stopping mid way through there dance. Jace stands, there and behold. Surprisingly, he was just in some jeans and a tshirt his hair messy and ruffled which was strange from his regular attire. "I thought I seen you, Ms. Laurent." He shoots the man a dark look, as he still stands starstruck. "Care to explain why you are at Jimmies?" He says in all seriousness. "Actually, I'm sorry to interrupt your date." He says, before backing off and stumbling slightly. Though he had a few, somehow his control was still there. "Enjoy your dance." He holds up his drink as if to cheers to them. A pretty girl oggles at him, no surprise. He sets his arm around her and pulls her close as she giggles obnoxiously loud. "Hey." She says, going up to whisper something in his ear. Jace walks with her around the corner to the other side of Jimmies out of sight where he instantly takes his arm off of her. "Not interested." He slurs, as he walks away from her. Completely confused, she squeals. "What, no! Were not done. I have so much I can offer for you..." She says as he turns away from her and around the other side of Jimmies to the main part away from her and Adaline.

@ Jinx...

@ bubblybee
Addie was just in the middle of dancing with the man, a more classic and none sexy dance, as she was telling him about about her favorite art. "I'm actually not that creative I just know good art. I am huge into abstract myself. It's the feeling of the painting that intrigues me and how one piece and touch so many people on an entirely different level." she said looked up at him as he said she was the better of the two and she blushed shaking her head. She gasped as her dancing partner was shoved back and she looked up to see Jace those blue eyes, full lips and sharp edges of his jaw that had been teasing her mind with every flip of topic in her mind. "Jace..." she gasped as he turned on her and growled out at her like she was in trouble for being out with her friend at a bar with another man. It made her belly tighten but before she could react he was reigning in the wild that was in his eyes. She looked back at the man as Jace called it a date. She bit her lips. "It's not..." she blushed. She watched as he walked out and she turned to the man. "Look it was really nice to meet you." she said and went to Rikki. "I'll meet you at home I have to go." she said and kissed her cheek rushing out. He was more drunk than she was. She saw the girl standing there shouting at him and she walked up to her and put a hand on her arm. "There is a really nice man inside that I just stopped dancing with, will you please go buy him a drink?" she asked and handed her enough for two drinks and watched the girl huff away. Addie pulled off her heels and ran after Jace, her boss. What was he doing here? Why had he shoved that man away? She was so confused. She caught up with him her hair windblown her cheeks rosy and her eyes confused and wild. She stopped confront of him planting herself in front of him and looked up at him. "You can't just show up and then rush off. It's quite improper and I thought you knew how to be proper." she said and smiled softly. "I think the polite thing to say is hello and you could have just cut in. I would have danced with you." she said and sighed shivering at the chilly air. "So hi. What are you doing here?" she asked him and set her shoes down and slipping into one then swaying a little unsteady as she got into the other. She smiled as he steadied her. She looked up at him and then stood straight as he let go. "Thanks." she said. "So since we're not at work I am assuming Jace is a fine title for you? And you can call me Addie now. You know I was kind of worried to see you stagger out of Jimmies. It's my normal place to go for a drink when I have a thing or two to celebrate." she said and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She didn't remember the last time she had talked so much to a man, it must be the alcohol. She was also really nervous he would just walk away from her again without saying a word.

Rikki turned to see her rushing away. "Addie, whats wrong?" She said, but before she could hear she got a quick peck as she watched her friend dash off. Knowing she only had a few, Rikki shrugged it off seeing as she was safe and decided she would just text her in the morning. She continued grinding on the man, dancing and laughing as she threw a martini back.

Jace turned to see her. He had a feeling. "And who are you to think you have any authority to dictate my actions?" He said, angrily. "I own the company you work for. Be very careful of your choice of words." He growls lowly, clearly not having the best night ever. "I don't wanna dance." He goes on to say. "I want to leave." Pulling out his phone, he hits his recent contacts and quickly types out a message privately and sends it. "No. It's Mr. Evans." He says coldly, but softening when he seen her shiver. "Adaline, what are you wearing." He frowns at her t-shirt. "Please come inside." He opens the door giving her a stern glance. "Trust me, you don't want to cross me right now." He says sternly. All he wanted was to watch those eyes as she orgasmed, tied up with her ass on him. She was so... innocent. He wasn't right to taint her innocence, any interaction with him he knew would taint her. She had to stay away from him. "I don't trust that man. Come with me, Hank is here." He said, grabbing her wrist and leading her out towards the limousine parked out front. Hank opens the door, as he helps her in following behind her. Sitting down, he takes another drink in the limousine pouring some hard liquor into a tumbler scooping out ice from a cooler. "Mr. Evans, Ms. Laurent." Hank greets. Jace closes his eyes briefly. "Take Ms. Laurent home please, Hank." he says. The ride was quiet. Jace was moody and dark, facing away from her. His eyes looked up as they halted to a stop, right outside her home. Jace looks up in disgust. "Adaline." He says, his eyes still on fire. "Is this where you live?" He said.

@ Jinx...

Addie frowned at his town. At least he wasn't just walking away from her. "Uhh I'm sorry." she bit her bottom lip and looked down. "I do yes but..." she let that drop and she sighed looking up at him as he said he didn't want to dance. "Okay then we don't have too." she stepped back as he said he wanted to leave. "Then leave." she said her mouth setting into a straight line. His mood was cold and she could feel it rubbing off on her and she fought with it as he said to call him Mr. Evans still and she sighed. He insisted upon calling her by her full first name and then was commenting on her cloths? She looked up at him and put her hands on her hip. "I will see you here this is perfectly fine attire for how far I live from the bar and how hot it is in there." she said her little pipe of a temper tantrum quite adorable and innocent. She stepped inside with him and sighed. "You could say please." she said noticing that he must always get his way because he hadn't the slightest bit of manners with the mood he was in. He looked at her with hungry eyes and she searched them like she would a canvas of art. You sir are so strange. She frowned as he said he didn't trust the man she had been dancing with and she shook her head. "Well I wasn't going to invite him to my place if you were worried, it was one dance he he was keeping his hands to himself and we where having a lovely conversation about art. Jace took her wrist and pulled her out to the limo and she looked up at him remembering what he said. He was in no mood to argue with about what he wanted her to do. She greeted Hank. "Hello Hank it is a pleasure to meet you and I am sure Mr. Evans is quite glad to see you too he has simply forgotten all his manors." she said and smiled at the man who grinned at her. At least he seemed to like her spunk. She sat watching Jace drink more and though she wanted to tell him it seemed he had quite enough she didn't say anything. Addie looked over Jace's handsome and darkened features as they drove she crossed her legs as she waited for the limo to go the three minute drive to her house. When they pulled up she turned looking out at the bakery and her apartment above it. "Yes I live above the bakery it's a darling little place really." she said and smiled at him her eyes amused at the fire behind his eyes. "You could come inspect it if you where so worried." she said and chuckled silently at her offer to let him come in. It was something she never did but seeing how she had to work with this man and he was being so... odd it might put them both more at ease if he knew more about her and could understand that she was a simple woman that wasn't a threat to him then perhaps he would stop being hostile to her and around her as if she could turn his big world upside down. Addie didn't see herself as a threat to him.

"I am leaving. And so are you." he says calmly now, but still giving a cold shoulder. He watched her little hissy fit and raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you done now?" He said, as she continued onto something new. "You say that now, but what about after 2 or maybe even 3 more drinks?" He scolds. "You have to be careful where you tread, Adaline." He says, trying to get her to understand he was only concerned. "I came out here to relax, I wasn't expecting to see my employee grinding on a man. You should be thanking me if I'm not mistaken." He frowns at her. Hank turns around at his name. "Hello Ms. Laurent." He laughs lightheartedly, a little surprised that she dared speak to him like that. Jace looks at her, and looks amused. "For the amount that I pay Hank, I don't need any manners." he looks out the window. Hank laughs again. "Ms. Laurent, don't you worry about me." He says, picking a piece of dust off his dark suit. His mouth drops slightly, his lips sculpted as she confirms that it was her home. "Adaline, are you out of your mind? Is that suitable for living?" He frowns at her in disbelief. "It is far from darling, and way more than "little" as you call it." He says. "If you are low on funds for a proper place to live, I can give you your cheque now." He says in all seriousness. "I don't even want to imagine you there alone." He says, pointing at the building. "It's past midnight, and who knows who else lives in that building. Is there even security?" he sighs. "Come on." He says. On cue, Hank gets out and opens the door on his side. Jace gets out, and takes her hand gently helping her out. "I am not leaving you here alone at this hour. Hank is going to watch your door, and you are going to give me a tour." His mood had lightened as he followed her up to her room. His eyes scanned every area carefully. Once at her door, Jace commands Hank to stay. He nods. "Yes sir." He says. Jace follows her inside and closes the door, watching her. "Hmm." He mumbles, thinking to himself about how she would taste. He could imagine taping that bold sexy mouth as he teased her. Maybe then she would learn not to piss him off. He takes a quick breath, hiding away those thoughts. She was untouchable. He was not allowed to touch her.

@ bubblybee
Addie sighed. "I wasn't going to have another I have work early in the morning and didn't want a hang over at all." she said looking up at him wondering what his excuse was now. "I am careful Mr. Evans. The only exceptions seemed to be you." she said her eyes wild as she met his. "I imagine it's hard to find a place to relax but I wasn't grinding on him and even if I had been it still wouldn't be your place to stand up for me even though it is a kind gesture." She smiled and shook her head. "You might not need manors but you should use them anyways." she challenged. She laughed at his absolute disgust of her home. "It is more than adequate for me since I live on my own and I don't need your pity money Mr. Evans I prefer to earn my own money and my own way in my life. Just because I am your employee does not mean you need to take special care of me." She shook her head as he continued to rant about her home. "I know exactly who lives in the apartments next to me it's actually a really safe street and the woman and her three cats that live to my right actually runs the shop next to the bakery and the young couple to my left just got married in January. That are sweet." she said and shook her head. "Yes it has security that is connected tot he bakery as well so I know if something dangerous is happening in the shop as well." she said and got out with him taking the hand that was offered to her. She walked up the stairs on the side of the bakery and took out her keys from her pocket and opened the door. She dropped her keys on the counter and let Jace into her apartment. "Come on in." she said and smiled at him. "Would you like some water?" she asked him and headed into her kitchen opening a water bottle of her own. "You can see my kitchen, living room, dinning room, and my study all here. Perfectly adequate but probably not the space you're use to." She said and walked to a door. "In here is the bathroom and this door..." she opened it. "Is my bedroom." she said and smiled at him. "See classy and perfectly safe. I appreciate beauty in more than art Mr. Evans." she said then walked back out to her hallway. "And this little white box is the security system." she said having turned it off when they had gotten in. It was silent and she liked it the way. "Only Rikki knows the code and has a spare key to water my plants when I am away." she said and bit her bottom lip holding back the urge to snap at him or testily tap his cheek. She put her hand on her hip. "So does it meet your minimum standards for your employees Mr. Evans?" she asked him.

He listened to her excuses, but brushed them away. He smirked at her smart ass response, as he wandered into her apartment. "If you were mine.." He shook his head, constraining himself from saying what he wanted. "It's actually quite easy. I have a lot on my mind sometimes and the only way to clear it is to have a good drink. And Jimmie's is usually very quiet and laid back, until I ran into you." He brushed by her to see her room, carefully placing his hand on the small of her back in a swift calculated motion feeling her quake. Satisfied, his fingers trailed on to her hip until he walked past her and peeked into her room. "I didn't offer you pity money. Why are you so stubborn?" He narrowed his eyes at her as she bit her lip and looked up at him. Ugh! He could feel a hard on building. He stared at her fiercly. "Adaline." He says calmly. "I suggest you stop biting that lip and giving me such bad attitude." He says, as she continues to sink her teeth into her bottom lip. He walks over to her, and lifts her chin up. "I. Said. Stop." He says, using his thumb to pull her lip out from under her teeth before releasing her and ignoring completely everything that happened, as if it never did occur in the first place. He goes to the security system now, observing it. "This is an old model. 2001." He says, turning to her. "We develop much more intricate systems. I will have one set up tomorrow." He says, pulling out his phone and leaving a quick note. He shudders at the word safe. "It's very small Adaline, even for you. I really think you should consider finding a new location to reside. However, I don't own you." He emphasizes the word own. "No." He answers. "It most certainly does not meet my minimum standards." He runs a hand through his messy hair, different from the way it was slicked back when he was dressed up in a suit. "Yes, I could use a glass of water." He waits for her in the kitchen, looking at her smaller than average fridge. "Excuse my language, but for fuck sakes Adaline, could you have a smaller fridge?" He opens it to find a very small selection. "I am not liking what I am seeing." He says as she hands him a glass of water. He takes it, swallowing it as it quenched him from his alcohol ridden system.

@ Jinx...

Addie raised and eyebrow at his words. If she was his what? She stepped back as his large frame moved over her into he room. She inhaled sharply though quietly as his hand touched her. She eyes widened and her body trembled as his hand moved from her back to her hip and looked into her room nearly pinning her to the bedroom doorway with his large body. She pursed her lips and looked away from the gorgeous man in her bedroom. When he asked why she was so stubborn she laughed unamused. "You are one to tap yourself being just as stubborn." she said and nearly rolled her eyes. He defiantly had offered her pity money to get a new place and she didn't want it or a new place. He said her name and she looked up at him. She bit harder into her lip as he told her not to and then he was suddenly towering over her even though he wasn't more than half a foot taller than her even without heels. He touched her and her eyes went wild. He stepped back and she had to take a deep breath to calm herself. She wasn't immune to his touches and his looks she simply refused to act like that was the entirety of his being like most other women. He commented on the security system and she shook her head. "I'm renting your can't just put in a new security system besides this is my home and you are a guest here Jace Evans." she said using his full name her shoulders squaring. She sighed as he said no. "Well I'm not moving as I am very happy here. The location is idea and I like quaint." she said back at him and walked into he kitchen with him annoyed that he insisted to lead. He opened the fridge and she took a a bottle of water. She looked up at him as he criticized her fridge. "Yes I could have you ever heard of a mini fridge. The only problem is that it wouldn't quite fit the space." she said and hands this water to him closing the fridge and slipping past him into he pantry to pick out three more waters and putting them in the fridge. "I'm sorry you don't like my home!" Addie said frustrated and took a cold water out walking to the door and wrenching it open. "Water Hank?" she asked him and smiled. "It's chilly out here I could make some coffee if you prefer?" she asked him smiling needing the cool air and the distraction for the frustrating and sexy man in her kitchen. Once she got the beverage for Hank that he wanted she turned back to Jace and crossed her arms. "Anything else you wish to pick at that is not up to your standards Sir?" she asked sarcastically. He was in her home and not very kind either. Her belly lurched at the look that flashed in his eyes and she ran a hand through her hair.

He cocked his head at her. This girl was full of surprises. "Excuse me? I hope you realise who are you are talking to." he said at her feisty comment. If only he could give her a good spank. Fuck. He felt a boner grow as she so innocently pissed him off again. "You can if your name is Jace Evans. Don't make me buy this building, and you become my guest." He said, just as frustrated with her headstrong attitude. He absorbed the words out of her pretty mouth, enjoying the way his name was on her tongue. He wanted to tell her it was sir or Mr. Evans to her, but again, she was right in the fact that he didn't own her... yet. Ugh. She was so untouchable and yet all he wanted to do was touch her, every inch of her with his mouth. "Yes, I've heard of a mini fridge. Those are utterly ridiculous as a main compartment for storing food. If you had a mini fridge, I would lug it out myself." He insisted. "Adaline, don't get upset at me. I don't want you living here alone in a box." He frowned at her, genuinely concerned. He watched her open the door, thinking she was going to leave, but then he heard Hank's low voice. "Thank you, Ms. Laurent." he said politely accepting her offer. Still frowning, he walked over to her his strides so smooth and masculine. Even the way he walked was sexy. He glanced at Hank apologetically as he slammed the door and stood in front of her, his shirt fitting oh so perfectly. He was tense, and the muscles could be made out through the material just lightly. "Adaline." He starts, but stops to check his watch. "Hank is going to watch your door tonight. And he will escort you to work. Your shift now starts at 10:00PM, I want to ensure you get a proper night's rest. Don't argue with me." He says sternly, heading towards the door and away from her. "Be careful where you tread. I don't think I am good for you, and we should keep our distances." He says with a cold glance full of lust as he opens the door quite suddenly. "I will see you tomorrow, Hank." He says, giving him a pat on the shoulder as he makes his way out. "Thank you for the tour and water, Ms. Laurent." He now smiles softly at her, so distant still with a struggling look but nonetheless his smile was exhilarating. "How is that for manners?" he teases, before closing the door and leaving her home.

@ Jinx...

@ bubblybee
"I quite realize but what exactly are you going to do fire me because I have attitude towards you in my own home?" Her eyes snapped at him as he threatened to buy the building. "Don't you dare take the bakery from Phillip!" she growled softly. "He would sell only because of his kids and would be miserable not being able to bake every morning." she said her eyes narrowing on him. "In France it's quite common to have a tiny fridge if you have one at all." she said having been dreaming of going to France for years. Addie smiled at Hank and gasped as Jace closed the door. "My neighbors are sleeping Jace!" she challenged him using his first name because he was really crawling under her skin and yet all she could think about was pressing her burning lips to his hungry ones. She crossed her arms. "And I will get upset if you keep treating me like a child incapable of taking care of myself." she said. He said her name smoothly as if holding back all the frustration and the other words he could say and snap back at her little swipes. She was impressed with his control and was oddly very turned on and frustrated there was nothing to do about it. She had never felt like this before and she didn't know what to do with it. "Hank can't stay outside all night." she bit her lip as he told her not to argue anymore and she looked down. She sighed. "I'll be in at 8 am and that's two hours later than I wanted to get started so that's all you're getting." Addie sighed as he said he was no good for her. She frowned and pushed her eyebrows together. "I am careful Mr. Evans but you seem to make me reckless and as right as you might be, we won't be keeping our distance we have work to do." she said and bit her lip again as he opened the door. She smiled as he thanked her and looked a him with amused eyes tilting her head to the side watching him leave and she chuckled. "Better." she said softly as he asked how those manners where and she stopped him from closing her door. She looked at Hank. "Come inside while I make you something warm." she said softly. I'll get you a chair too if you insist upon being out there all night."

"I wouldn't take the bakery from him." He said laughing lightheartedly for the first time around her "Who do you think I am? The bakery monster? I love me a good croissant now and then. Phillip is an excellent baker." He said. "Yes he can. It's his job. He's working nights today. Don't worry, Adaline." Jace said, holding up her chin again ever so gently, his fingers tracing down her jaw so he could remember those blue eyes tonight instead of having nightmares that he knew were going to occur after that women touched him earlier. "10PM. And we will keep our distance Adaline. Stay away from me, it's for your own good." He warned, that playful teasing attitude completely wiped in under 10 seconds and the Jace that everyone knew who was cold and hard was back. He still held her chin, and as he turned away and let her go he mumbled at her,"10PM. And stop biting that lip." before leaving.

Once home, Jace strips throwing on a fresh pair of briefs and some plaid pajamas that Adora got him for Christmas. Not in the mood to shower, he flops onto his king size bed and leans over to the bedside table, taking a sleeping pill in case. He closes his eyes, thinking of blue eyes and after a few hours drifts into a light sleep.

***********

Hank smiles at her warmly, his big body scooting inside her small apartment. "Thank you Ms. Laurent, but really there is no need. I am here for a job, and Mr. Evan's wont be happy if it isn't completed. It's the kindest gesture any women of Mr. Evan's has ever offered though, if that's any condolence! I truly do appreciate it." He finishes his drink from earlier. "However, I will take you up on the offer with the chair. My chair is out in the service limousine." he says gratefully. "Goodnight, Ms. Laurent! You've got a big day tomorrow. I will escort you in the morning. Rest well." he says.

@ Jinx...

@ bubblybee
Addie was so taken aback form his laugh she didn't even argue with him about what time he wanted her into work. She sighed as his finger traced her jaw and her grey-blue eyes looked at him fogging with desire and curiosity. He pulled away as he said they would keep their distance and she shook her head. He might but she had a job to do and would do what ever needed to be done and if that meant marching up to that beautiful mysterious man's office to show him an art piece that she was pushing for then she would not that she thought she would need to but none the less she would if she had too. He told her ten again and she chuckled. "Yes Sir." she said and bit her lip again needing to get away with something. She chuckled as he left and sighed feeling light headed. She needed to call Rikki and make sure she was okay. She looked at the time seeing Jace had spent nearly an hour in her home.

Addie closed the door behind Hank and started some coffee for him. She took her chair from her desk and brought it over to him along with the blanket. "Well if those are the kind of women he entertains then perhaps he should stop worrying about me and focus on taking care of himself and find a better clamber of women to entertain." she said and smiled at Hank. "Hank it's not a problem at all I was raised on southern hospitality and I won't let my mama down now." she said and smiled at Hank handing him the warm coffee in the thermos as he settled into the chair. "Now if you have any problems let me know and I do have a friend I invited over but I don't know if she will be back. Her name is Rikki Calloway." she said and smiled at him. "Would you like a book? It's going to be a boring night, it always is around here other than the occasional drunken song on the closing walk home." she said and chuckled.Once she made sure Hank had everything he needed or wanted and he felt relaxed and comfortable to come inside when ever he needed she slipped into her bedroom changing and then calling Rikki to see if she was alright and if she would be coming back. It was much to late to be telling her everything that happened but she was sure she would tell her some of the things in the morning but with Mr. Evans she didn't think she would be sharing the more personal side of their night.

Hank laughs heatedly, despite his intimidating big body and gruff face. "I am thankful your mother raised you right. I very much appreciate this Ms. Laurent." he holds up the chair and thermos, as he sets it outside the door. "Alright, I appreciate the heads up. If you could give me a brief description that would be great, as no one will come through this door without your confirmation." he assure, smiling gratefully at her. "No, thank you. A book is not on my job description, it won't be necessary. Again, thank you for the offer. I will be fine. My duty is to ensure your safety, not be entertained." He says. "From Mr. Evans order." He bids her farewell one last time and closes the door quietly as he gets comfortable leaning back in his chair.

*********

Rikki feels the buzzing of her phone, and looks to see it was Adaline. She picks it up, excusing herself from the gentleman escorting her. "Hey Addie! You make it home okay?" she says clearly. "I'm alright and alive. I think I'm gonna go home with him." She giggles. "Don't worry, Jimmie assured me he was a regular and not a psychopath." She says, knowing the immediate concern Addie would have. "No, I don't think I'll go back to your crib. I need some man time." She says drunkedly. "I will call you in the morning!! I love you Addie, but my phones gonna die!" After a brief conversation and her confessing her love to her best friend of years in a drunk slumber over and over, Rikki hands up as she gets attacked with kisses from the man she danced with earlier.

The next morning, she rolls over and sits up holding the comforter close to her chest hiding her naked body. She looks over at the handsome man who's name she didn't know, then at the used condom on the bedside beside him. She quickly claps her hand to her mouth and gasps quietly as he stirs and faces her, but she relaxes as he continues on sleeping. Quietly, she picks up pieces of her clothing strewn from the adventure she had last night. Before she slips it on, she takes her phone from the dresser and texts Adaline. Good luck on your first day of work!! Love you. Going home now, I'm safe. Are you OK?? xoxoxo before putting her clothing back on quietly. She peeks at him, then tip toes into the kitchen. Finding an old receipt, she scribbles a quick note on it. Thanks for a great night! Hope to do it again. :) -Rikki before slipping her shoes on and as quietly as she could she closes the door behind her letting out a sigh of relief that she didn't wake him.

***********

Jace's eyes flutter open, as he takes in his surroundings. White walls, white ceiling... He sits up and looks around, calming down when he realized where he was. Checking the time, he realized it was 6 in the morning. Pulling the covers off, he sits on the edge of his bed and runs his fingers through his dark hair. The sleeping pills really knocked him out. It was possibly the best sleep he had in a years time, but yet he still felt empty and cold. Jace stands up and heads towards his bathroom. Getting into the clear shower, he cleans up. After drying off, he pulls on his briefs and runs the towel onto his head trying drying it. He looks up into the mirror, and splashes some water onto his face. Drying it with the towel, he leaves it on a towel bar and exits. Looking at his unreal selection of clothing, Jace picks out a classic combination. Buttoning his vest up and putting his tie on, he puts on a dark navy jacket. Walking down the grand staircase, he picks the keys up off his hanger, the sound of it hitting the wall loud in the quietness of his home. Jace heads into the kitchen, frying up some bacon and eggs.

@ Jinx...

Addie sighed as Rikki said she needed some man time. She fussed over her for a while until she knew her friend would be fine. It was only then did she go to bed. She sighed and fought with sleep for a while the strong demanding hands of Jace Evans hunting her mind. Addie sighed and closed her eye before falling into a frustrated sleep.

In the morning Addie woke to her alarm at 8. She stood and checked her phone smiling seeing Rikki had texted her. I'm fine I just had to deal with my boss finding me out at the bar. It was an interesting night before he went home. Addie sighed and went to the bathroom getting ready for the day. Addie finished her outfit by putting on her bracelet. She walked out and started to make breakfast. She opened the door to see Hank. "Would you like to join me for breakfast Hank?" she asked him softly.

After her and Hank had eaten she grabbed her purse, phone, her folder that held all her current research, and her new badge before following Hank out. She locked up the house after setting the alarm and followed Hank to the car. She was thankful that it wasn't the limo only thinking what people would have thought. Even know they where watching her and she really just wished she could take her own car but if Jace had had a cow about her home then he would have a seizure over her car. Addie walked with Hank as he drove sipping her coffee to go and enjoying not having to drive in the morning traffic. She had talked Hank into ten minutes early. She had been trying for half an hour but he seemed really uncomfortable with it until she said ten minutes.

Addie arrived to work about five minutes early thanks to traffic and she sighed as she walked through greeting the security guards and ending up on first name basis pretty easily before she got in the elevator. She smiled as se headed up to the floor that had been in her new employee email she had checked this morning. Addie arrived and looked for the number of her new office. She slipped into her office and smiled looking out at the view. She bit her lip. It was really white in here. She would need to find some colorful pieces and get an office plant as well. She would fill the bookshelf with art books and work of course but she was so excited. She set her things down and then turned to go see who was working on this floor as well and where they had the clients lists and all he information for the exhibit she was suppose to be finding art for.