"President Damari, why do you wish to partner with my adoptive father?" Zuri asked.
It wasn't really a lie; Dan was like a father to her and Lin and Zinin referred to her as 'brother' or 'big brother.'
"He's your adoptive father?" Lucius retorted.
"Of course he is." Zuri smiled again. 'He doesn't seem to recognise me.'
"Since the Jade House has been known for its lack on fake and counterfeit goods, I've take an interest to your establishment." He had no expression whatsoever and it was almost impossible for Zuri to read him.
"I'm very much aware of that." She leaned into the chair. "Tell me, President, why we should consider working with you. There are hundreds of companies that want to join hands with us and my father has refused them all. Tell me why."
"Why shouldn't you?" He looked up and Zuri felt uneasy with his soul-piercing gaze. "I own the number one company so, why shouldn't you?" He drowned down the cup of tea and poured another one.
She gulped in anxiety and felt short of breath. "Excuse me."
She left the curtain and took a deep breath of her inhaler. When she returned, she found Lucius asleep on the chair. Her eyes twitched and she looked at Sawyer who had an apologetic smile.
"The president has a sleeping disorder and I'm surprised that he managed to sleep." Sawyer explained. "This is the first time he's sleeping in three days."
"Oh, I see." She opened a drawer and took out a blanket. She covered him with it and tucked a loose curl of his hair behind his ear. "I noticed he seemed tense and I decided to burn a special incense stick that I use when I can't sleep. The tea also helped ease his tension, making him sleep." She just wanted to get rid of him, that's all.
"You really know your stuff." Sawyer said, obviously impressed.
One second ago, she was standing beside Lucius and in another, he had pulled her into the chair and hugged her tightly.
"President Damari, this is unethical." She tried to free herself but he had held her too tight.
"I'm so sleepy." He mumbled and increased his grip.
She gasped and motioned for Sawyer's to help her with her inhaler. After she had used it, she stayed still and allowed Lucius snuggle her.
"This is embarrassing." She said to Sawyer. "Don't let anyone come into the curtain."
"Right." He nodded and left to tell everyone whatever story he cooked up.
She was currently sitting on his lap, him arms were wrapped around her waist and his head was on her chest.
If anyone had seen them together, they would pass as the most adorable gay couple.
She closely inspected his face. He had very bold facial features, which included his jawline, wide spaced eyes and lips.
What fascinated her was his collarbone. She couldn't help but unbutton his collar and stroke his milky white skin.
'This is so wrong. Wrong on another level.' But she didn't care. After all, it was he who started it.
His skin was as soft as peach and she felt and urge to bite his collarbone.
'Control yourself Zuri. He's a man. Like any other.'
Yet, something about him attracted her. He was peaceful as he slept but when he was awake, she loved the dangerous aura he gave out.
She liked a man who could match in her character. Deadly but sweet and so far, ahe hasn't seen his sweet side.
She liked the time they spent talking about jewels and precious stones. She wanted nothing more than to spend a bit more time with him.
Then, she remembered her promise to Maude. 'I said I wasn't going to have anything to do with him. It's his fault and she would never find out. But I want to kiss him so bad.'
Sawyer wasn't back yet and no one was around to see her. She touched his face and planted a soft kiss on his lips.