"But-"
"Brian's right, Sia. I understand you two are best friends, but he needs to realize sooner or later what he wants. You can't keep beating yourself up for missing something as simple as dinner. You two aren't official, are you?" Liam questioned.
I bit my lip, giving up on arguing with them. Even Brian didn't know the story and seemed to get it. I understood their words, but Alexander had a special place in my heart, and I didn't want to fuck things up. I almost sounded like a broken record and even I was getting tired. I want to be with Alexander too, but how am I supposed to be with someone who isn't confident enough to return my love?
"No. He..." I trailed off and sighed. "We haven't had a moment to really talk. I thought I would when we got back from the resort, but that didn't happen. Then I thought at dinner we'd discuss it, but we know how that went. I care for him...but I can't force him to decide whether he loves me or not. He’s also always comparing himself to you. I don't want him to be jealous when I care for him the same way I do you."
Brian was quiet for a moment, and Liam reached out to stroke my hair. "Sia, you know your worth. Alexander needs to see how badly he wants you before he'll fight to have you."
"Maybe he's also not ready? Anyone can talk the talk, but it’s hard to walk the walk when you aren't confident in yourself. Alexander has issues of his own. If he cares about you and really wants a relationship, he'll need to step up his game or he'll be left in the dust," Brian concluded.
"I guess that's true," I admitted. Wait, that reminds me.
"How do you know Alexander anyway?" I asked Brian.
He seemed completely calm. "I've seen him a few times."
"But when he met Liam he didn't recognize him as you. You're twins, so if Alexander knew you, why wouldn't he know about Liam?" I inquired.
"Hmmm. We're not close. Simple hello here and there. I know his parents because they've been business partners in the past. I try to appear a little different in those meetings," Brian replied.
"Weird," I mumbled.
"Meow," Pix put forth, looking bored.
Liam chuckled. "We don't always go in our usual appearance to certain events, especially if we're both going. It's kind of the reason why no one has noticed we're twins yet."
"That sounds complicated." I leaned back to relax against Liam who rested his chin on my shoulder as we turned our attention to Brian.
"It's not bad. Anyway, I'm going to work. Take the day off."
"What? But, you'll be fine with your meeting and the note taking?" I asked.
"I'll get it recorded and listen to it if I miss anything. You'll officially start with me tomorrow, but we're heading to Liam's office first. Might as well show you around and have you meet Jaiyana," Brian explained.
"She'll love you," Liam added, his voice filled with amusement.
"I don't know if that's good or bad," I expressed with uncertainty.
"Her work ethic is similar to yours, and she hates Lilith," Brian elaborated.
"In that case, we'll be best friends." I giggled. Liam chuckled, and Brian had a small smile on his face.
"Anyway, I'm off. See you bright and early, Sia. Don't be tardy," Brian warned.
"I'm never tardy!" I huffed. My comment made his smile widen, and I had to calm my heart that was beginning to increase in pace. Damn twins are dangerous.
"Bye, brother," Brian stated with a slight wave.
"MEOW!" Pix cried out. I looked down to see his sad look and Brian groaned.
"Bye devil cat."
"It's Pix," I corrected.
"Fine. Bye Pix," he mumbled.
"Bye Evil Liam," I teased, lifting Pix's paw to wave at him.
"Is that going to be my permanent nickname? Please say no," he grumbled before he headed down the hall.
"I'll think about it," I replied and giggled again. I didn't want to admit it, but teasing Brian was really fun. Liam just shook his head with a wide smile on his lips. Pix hopped off my lap and headed down the hall, making me wonder what mischief he was about to cause.
"Just keep reassuring Alexander that you'll be there when he's ready," Liam whispered in my ear. I turned my head to look at him and slowly nodded.
"Alright."
"But don't let him think you're a side chick," Liam stressed.
"He wouldn't think that way."
"Yes, but just because you’re a succubus, doesn't mean he can always get away with just hugs and kisses," Liam pointed out.
I frowned, not having an argument for that valid point. I knew Alexander and I loved to tease one another, but now that I was officially with Liam, I'd have to be careful with my playful nature. It's not like I had any issues in the sex department with Liam in my life.
"I'll let him know," I said, lifting my head to meet Liam's gaze. He nodded and gave me a firm kiss.
"Better finish your coffee before it's cold," he whispered, his eyes slowly transitioning to red. I grinned, leaning in to give another kiss, one that would bring more satisfaction than the quick one he had given.
He quietly moaned in my mouth, and I maneuvered myself to sit on his lap, my front side facing him as his hands securely rested on my waist.
I broke the kiss to stare at him, realizing my urge to kiss him again was stronger than my train of thought. He stared back into my intense gaze, his eyes now bright red and filled with desire as I watched his tongue lick the bottom half of his lip.
"I think my Sia deserves some loving." That husky voice only added to my intense desire to have my way with him, but my logic was straining to interfere with my succubus mentality.
"I do. However, your brother is still here," I mumbled but leaned in to kiss him again.
"Don't mind me, I'm leaving," Brian announced.
We broke the kiss and turned to see Brian move to the door, fixing the silver cuffs with gold outlining. He was in black dress pants and a fitted mustard yellow dress shirt. His hair was in its usual right style.
Pix chased after him with a tie in his mouth and began running around Brian who just stared at him. "You're not giving that back to me unless I bring you along, are you?"
Pix stopped and lowered the tie to the floor. "MEOW!" he replied happily.
Brian groaned and opened the door, ushering Pix to go out. Pix picked up the tie and ran out, and Brian glanced back at us. "Have fun."
We watched him leave and close the door, the automated lock turning on. I turned back to Liam who had a pleased smile on his face.
"He likes you."
"You said that already."
"No. Like like."
"Like like what?"
Liam chuckled and with ease lifted me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and my hands gripped his shoulders as he carried me towards the bedroom.
"My brother has a crush on you."
"He just met me," I argued.
"I liked you when I first saw you."
"That doesn't count."
"You’re hiding how excited you are right now," Liam pointed out.
I blushed as I glanced anywhere but his red eyes. "No."
"Your eyes went silver for a second." He grinned at my shock, and I knew my face was bright red.
"Less talk more kissing," I grumbled, and Liam laughed.
"You know my statement is still valid," he murmured, leaning up to suck on the nape of my neck. I bit my lip to suppress the moan that wanted to escape.
"With sharing?" I whispered.
"Yes."
"But...ah." I gasped when he bit me lightly, the action sending tingles through me.
"No buts, Sia."
He pulled back to meet my gaze, and I leaned in to press my forehead against his. "Wouldn't Brian...you know? Have a mate. He's a werewolf who, intriguingly enough, doesn't reek like one all the time."
"Brian's complicated. I doubt he'll have found a mate of his choosing anytime soon, and he's not going with Lilith. He's up for grabs."
"I feel like you are hooking me up."
"Not in the least. I'm fin
e with having you all to myself. I just think the more the merrier works with you." He had a mischievous grin on his face.
"You'd be the first to want a threesome," I whispered against his lips as the urge to kiss him returned with force.
"Oh Sia, baby. I will be the first to be a part of a threesome and it'll be an intense experience of pleasure," Liam soothed and pressed his lips against mine.
I tried not to smile, but I couldn't help it. The succubus side of me was excited and turned on by the idea. The vampire side of me would have been turned off by the idea, but I felt like I was 100% on board with this and it was leaving me horny and wet.
"No more talking," I said softly, breaking the kiss to suck on his neck.
"Mhm. Intense afternoon sex, coming right up," Liam rumbled, and I pulled back to give him a satisfied grin.
"Fuck me fast and hard until I beg you to stop," I cooed. His gaze darkened as my power settled in.
"As you wish, my love."
The chime of the bell that hung above the door echoed through the quiet street, and I thanked the man who held the door for me.
I looked around the empty bar, noticing Alexander was working on washing the clear beer glasses that were stacked on the side of the sink.
Pix spotted me immediately, hopping off the counter and running over to me. I had no idea how he got here, but I assumed Brian must have dropped him off before he headed home from work.
After our heated afternoon sex, Liam and I were both knocked out until late in the evening. He took me out to dinner and then dropped me off here at Alexander's bar, stating he was heading to his office to do a quick catch up on what he'd missed and would stay at his place for the night.
I was rather impressed at how easy-going Liam was being with everything that was happening. It helped so I didn't necessarily feel overwhelmed by the idea of having two boyfriends, and it made me consider Brian. I'd definitely have to learn more about him, and I could tell it wouldn't be an easy task during work.
I'd just have to let life take its course and hope it would work out somehow. But first, I needed to speak with Alexander.
"Meow." Pix looked at me with happy eyes, those blue orbs sparkling in the dim light that shone above us.
"Did you miss me? Hmm," I hummed, keeping my voice down as to not distract Alexander.
I doubted he even realized I was here, and I didn't mind that he hadn't yet. It gave me a brief moment to admire his sculpted backside cloaked in a white dress shirt that hugged every muscle and tucked into his black dress pants.
His puffy hair was in his usual bun, and he continued to work diligently which was nice to watch. Alexander had always been a hard worker, but I knew he must have been working to keep his mind off things. I have to at least apologize.
I walked over to the stools in front of the bar and lowered Pix to the marble counter. I purposely let the stool make noise as I pulled it out and sat down, watching as Alexander finished the glass he was washing.
"We're closed," he announced, not bothering to look over his shoulder. Yup, he's pissed. I'd known Alexander long enough to know he always did his best to service someone unless he was having a shitty day.
"Best friends don't count?" I inquired in a soft voice. Alexander whipped his head over his shoulder to see me and blinked a few times.
"Oh shit, Sia?" He placed the glass down and turned to face me. "Sorry, I didn't sense you at all. Since when can you hide your presence like that?"
"Always. I just wanted to test those amazing instincts of yours. You failed though." I winked. He gave me a sheepish smile and immediately went to get a clean glass and, of course, my favorite Rosé.
He poured me a full glass while Pix walked back over to where I rested my hands. I began to pet him, using it as the perfect distraction from the awkward silence lingering between us.
He made his way back with my glass, and I thanked him, needing the alcoholic fluid to help loosen up my nerves. I hadn't realized I finished the entire thing in one go until I lowered the empty glass and stared at it.
Alexander was still watching me and seemed shocked that I gulped it down. "Want another glass?"
"Sure," I replied. Might as well finish the bottle. He poured me another one, and I tried to slow my pace as I had to remind myself not to fidget. It's fine, Anastasia. Alexander isn't leaving. He's not going to end our friendship...or relationship...or whatever the fuck this is. I just need to stay calm. No freaking out.
"Meow!" Pix hopped from the counter down to where Alexander was. With one calculated leap, he was on the other side right next to a stack of glass cups. I gawked at him, and Alexander froze as he reached out to knock the entire thing down.
"PIX!" We both shouted. He paused and practically glared at Alexander who groaned.
"Okay, okay. Don't make my life a living hell. You can't even afford to pay for those," Alexander huffed.
"Meow." Pix lowered his paw but stayed where he was, waving his tail left and right.
I sighed in relief and Pix turned his attention to me, looking proud of himself. What a smart cat.
"Sia I-" Alexander began, but I cut him off.
"I'm sorry," I whispered. He gave me a stunned look, and I quickly chugged the remainder of the light pink wine down to tame my nerves as I continued.
"You have every right to be mad. Things got complicated at work, and the meeting we had went overtime. I had to deal with meeting Brian and balance a bunch of calls. I just...I was really overwhelmed, and I said I would just take a quick nap after we ate lunch. I didn't think I'd sleep until the next day and completely miss out on our plans. I wanted to apologize, but Liam said he explained everything to you. I tried calling your phone in the evening, but you didn't pick up. That's why I came down to apologize in person." I rambled, letting the words flow out.
I took a few calming breaths before I lifted my eyes to meet his shocked ones. “Sia. I didn't...ugh. I wasn't upset with you," Alexander said softly.
"But...you weren't home."
"My parents wanted to see me this morning."
"You didn't pick up your phone," I countered.
"It was super busy when you called. We had a special band come in today, and the place was packed," he defended.
"But-"
"Anastasia. I'm not upset. Liam explained to me already. I know you don't function when you don't have a mental plan to work your butt off. I figured you'd be tired after traveling back from your business trip and then straight to work. I'm not upset."
"Why do I feel like you’re mad then?" I asked, feeling like a dumbass. "I've been worried all day long, and now I find out you're not upset with me? Then what are you upset about?"
"I had to deal with family shit, Sia. I didn't think you'd take it that way."
"Why wouldn't you?! Alexander, you know me. You KNOW how panicked I get when it looks like our friendship is on the brink of sinking. I...fuck, I was so damn worried!" I snapped.
Alexander pinched his nose and inhaled deeply, letting it out slowly. "I know, Sia. I just...I just assumed you'd be fine."
"Assumed? How can you assume?" I argued.
"You have Liam and now Brian on the bandwagon. I didn't think I needed to wait till you woke up to check in, and I thought you wouldn't worry."
"Brian? First off, how do you even know Brian? And you can't just loop him in as some kind of a lover when I don't know him. What? Because Liam and Brian are twins that means I have TWO boyfriends? Like are you listening to yourself right now, Alexander?"
"Sia..." He trailed off and I groaned, getting off the stool.
"I'm leaving."
"Sia, stop."
"No, Alexander! You need to figure out what you want! I need to know what you want. What are we? What is THIS?!" I questioned, using my hands to gesture to him and me.
"I don't know yet, Anastasia! I just have too much going on and fuck, I'm lonely okay?! Less than two months and it feels like everything changed. My best friend who was always in my life w
hen I needed her is so damn busy, and now you're focused on Liam, and I bet Brian will sweep you off your feet! Fuck even Pix doesn't stay around!"
I gawked at him, and Pix tilted his head in confusion. "Meow?"
"First of all, I always tried to make time for you, Alexander, but you know how my job is. It's not like I get to waltz out right at five in the evening and call it a night! I took this job because you encouraged me to and it was good money. You think I expected to meet Liam who was in charge of Brian’s company and fall in love with him?!" I shouted.
"So you think you haven't neglected me at all?"
"Alexander, you’re not a child! Look at all the times we've had to do our jobs and conferences where we're away. Why is it now that I'm doing something that I'm enjoying and feeling more empowered in is when you’re acting up? I'm not just a substitute but have a pure role at an organization and still get to maintain my independence. Where in NYC would I find a job like that? I get it. You're lonely, but I won't always be there when work is involved," I argued.
We glared at each other and I needed to calm my emotions, or I'd do something stupid. "If you're lonely, just say so! Don't go blaming people like Liam or even Brian who I JUST met for your feelings of isolation just because I've been super busy! And don't blame me that Pix likes to sneak into my bag and go wherever I go. He's smart enough to do what he wants!" I snapped.
"I have every right to blame Liam!"
"Liam has been the most supportive person in this! Don't go arguing with me on this, Alexander. Every single time I've been scared shitless that our friendship is going downhill, he always speaks well of you. Always tells me to give you a chance and understand your point of view. Fuck, he didn't even need to call you and tell you that I'd fallen asleep at work. He always takes you into consideration, yet you're blaming him like he's the bad guy!"
"You're just defending him because he's your mate!"
"You don't even know that!"
"I so fucking do! Anyone can see it, Sia! You’d need to be blind not to see how you two connect. True mates will enter your life and immediately have a connection, and I see that same vibe with Brian. It's only a matter of time till you’re in his bed too!" Alexander yelled.
SEDUCE MY HEART Page 5
