Soon the maid returned with her clothing. Brianna opened the door slightly, quickly took the clothes as she muttered a thank you, and closed the door immediately.
She heard the maid chuckle, and she blushed, feeling embarrassed. She tried to cover the kiss marks as best as she could, but still, some were rather noticeable. Damn it! Did he do it on purpose? He had said that I could go to the company to work today, but look at me now! Shit. People will think I'm crazy, wearing a scarf in this weather.
Brianna cursed and went downstairs, sulking. Scott was reading the newspaper, as usual, looking rather cheerful.
Isn't he late for work? Brianna was surprised to see Scott. She was to check the time on her phone when Scott said, "It's a quarter past eight. I've been waiting for you for breakfast."
He usually leaves for work before eight o'clock. Why? Brianna wondered. She stood by the stairs and looked at him with a confused face. "But aren't you running late? You normally went to work early every day,"
"I'm the CEO. Could you not talk to me about being late? I can come anytime at work, and nobody has the right to question me at all. Come over."
That's not like him! Who says that no one should be late, especially himself and the supervisors?! Who prides himself on punctuality and efficiency? Look at him now!
Brianna pouted her lips and went over quietly. She sat down opposite him as usual, the table's distance apart. Scott frowned at her and pointed at the chair next to him.
"Why? This is where I have always sat." She said innocently, wondering why his sudden changed.
"Well, you sleep on the same bed as me now. Come sit here."
"But..." Brianna thought it over and decided she'd better obey anyway. He watched her for a while and smiled cheekily. "Why? You looked tired. Did I keep you up too late last night?"
Brianna stared at him, her mouth slightly open as if she was to say something, but no words came out. She rolled her eyes at him and had a sip of some fresh orange juice.
"What are you wearing a scarf for?" Scott asked cheekily and intended to take the scarf off her. Brianna tried to stop him, but he was too quick. He snatched the scarf off her and unveiled the kiss marks on her neck, collar bones, and shoulders.
"Hey, don't be so mean." Brianna snapped.
"What are you trying to hide? You look much better without the scarf."
"Don't be ridiculous! People are going to laugh at me."
"So what?"
"You don't have any! Of course, you won't understand how embarrassing it is!"
"Don't I?"
"Huh?"
Scott turned around and said, "Pull my shirt up and have a look."
Brianna was surprised. She remembered feeling immense pleasure as if she was in constant ecstasy last night, yet only physically. In her heart, she felt something was missing. Scott never told her how he felt about her. He never responded to her confession.
She pulled his shirt up gently. At the sight of the red scratches and love bites on his back, she almost gasped. "There's more on my shoulders and chest," Scott added. Brianna suddenly remembered that she scratched and kiss him hard. She blushed.
"Well, it was only because you were..."
"Pleased you too much?" Scott winked at her.
Brianna blushed again.
"We shall have our second round tonight," Scott said with a cheeky smile. "Bon appetit."
He then ate quietly and with his usual elegance.
Now and then, he would watch Brianna, which made Brianna very conscious of herself.
"Scott." She spoke gently.
"Yes?" Scott looked into her eyes.
"Do you..." Brianna hesitated, "Do you, err, perhaps have feelings for me? A little bit?" She asked again.
"You have my permission to fall in love with me," Scott said casually. "Consider yourself lucky. Don't repeat the question anymore."
Brianna's heart sank. She heaved a sigh and went on finishing her breakfast without uttering another word.
Somehow Scott started to feel irritated again. Why is it so important to her to know how I feel about her? My heart belongs to my angel only. Who does she think she is, wanting me to love her?! I've given her the best, material-wise, as well as a great opportunity for her to realize her dream. And she's asking for more?! She wants me to love her!!! How ambitious and ungrateful!
The more he thought about it, the more agitated he felt. Brianna sensed the change. She took a glance at him and saw his displeased look.
"Please don't be mad. I apologize. I will never ask the question again. I promise." She said softly. "I am clear of what I am to you, merely a possession, to please you physically." She added.
Right! Scott looked at her silently. You'd better be clear. He thought, yet somehow he felt angry with himself as he realized that he didn't like her to be a mere tool for physical pleasure. He wanted her to love him. He enjoyed it. He then recalled suddenly how she risked her life to save him.
He wanted her to love him with her life, but he didn't like the thought that he might fall for her. My heart belongs to Sol only. He reminded himself again. Brianna is just a replacement, a temporary replacement.
After breakfast, the driver asked Scott politely, "Mr. Scott Anderson, shall I take you to meet the client?"
"Take Mrs. Anderson to the office first," Scott said.
"No worries. I can drive. I can manage." Brianna said.
Scott threw a warning glance at her. Brianna shrugged her shoulders and said no more.
The driver then saw the love bites on Brianna and quickly looked away. Scott noticed and put the summer scarf around Brianna's neck, then he held her hand and got into the car with her.
Mr. Scott Anderson probably loves Mrs. Anderson. The driver thought as he saw, for the first time, the gentleness Scott had shown towards Brianna.