22 A deal with the devil

The car pulled up in the parking lot of Lush hotel. Meredith head was full of fog as she breathed through her open mouth. It was a miracle that she hadn't collapsed out of nervousness yet.

She straightened her clothes with long nervous strokes. She was wearing a side slit knee white bodycon bandage dress paired with a gold stiletto heel and matching golden clutch purse.

Her hair was styled in a sleek low bun exposing her beautiful neck and shoulders. Dark eyes makeup and dark red lipstick to complete the look.

Meredith had to admit she looked beautiful. The dress and accessories Atlas had chosen was gorgeous and the college student living on the down floor was really good. She has transformed her into Cinderella with the magic of her makeup brush.

The driver came around to open the door for Meredith. He smiled at her as she got out.

"Thank you." Meredith said with a soft smile on her face.

"Mr. Martini is waiting for you on the 19th floor. Take the elevator, when you reached look for AM exclusive bar.

Meredith nodded at him. The lump in her throat was making it difficult for her talk. Her stomach was rolling with nerves.

She has come all the way here dressed up she couldn't give up. She was twenty-four years old it was time for her lose control and have fun. Life was too short to waste it.

Meredith stood in front of the room and took a deep while she entered looking for a particular man.

With the help of her contact lens, Meredith looked around the space. Dim lighting, sumptuous leather furniture and spirit bottles lined up on the mirrored shelves behind the bar. The shiny black seven-meter bar was morphed into a piano at the far end. Meredith noticed the gold décor and the paintings lined on the wall.

Meredith's eyes scanned the place but couldn't find him. She walked further inside the room and saw him standing in front of the windows that looked out the city. Her heart hammered in her chest when she saw his refection.

He seemed to be lost in a deep thought. His brows were furrowed together and his clenched fists betrayed his internal tremor. He looked so lost and lonely.

This was the first time Meredith had seen him like this. It seems Atlas had problems of his own. He sensed her presence and he turned around. Meredith saw him stiffened. She sucked in a deep breath as her gaze slide over his body.

The man looked more handsome anytime she met him. He was wearing a black turtle neck which showed off his broad shoulders and tight black jeans.

His hair was tousled, not slicked back like he always wore in the office. Meredith wanted to ran her fingers through it.

God, he was staring at her, her heart hammered in her chest.

"Meredith." The way her name rolled off his tongue made warmth swirled through her belly. He walked towards her and grabbed her hand bringing it to his lips.

His intense gaze bored into her. Meredith felt his lips brushed against her skin and lust burned in her brain. She couldn't think of anything else. The ache between her thighs grew more and more insistent.

"H-Hello."

His lips curled up in amusement. "Hi. You look----"

He paused as he stared at her dress. "Extremely beautiful."

Meredith felt a hot blush settle over her cheeks.

"Thank you. You too." Meredith widened her eyes; the red deepened on her cheeks.

"No. I mean---you lo…ok handsome."

Atlas chuckled and shook his head slightly.

"Thank you. Come"'

Atlas took her hand and led her to a couch in the middle of the room. Meredith realized they were alone. Her heartbeat quickened as she sat nervously with Atlas sitting beside her.

"Have I told you that you're looking dashing?"

Meredith let out a low chuckle and nodded. The nerves in her stomach settling slightly.

"Yes, but it wouldn't hurt to hear it again."

He looked so different from the brooding boss she knew. This seemed so weird.

"What would you like to have?" Atlas asked her.

"Something to calm down my nerves? I'm so nervous." She murmured.

Atlas smirked, "Good. You should be nervous because you're the only woman I have ever wanted so bad."

Meredith widened her eyes at his words. A shiver ran along her spine at his tone. What did he mean by that?

Before she could ask him any question, he stood up and took his phone from his pocket. Meredith leaned into the chair as she listened to him give a couple of orders over the phone.

Once he was done, he turned to her and gave her an apologetic look.

"Sorry about that."

"It's alright."

Silence enveloped them as they sat down staring at each other. Meredith swallowed when she felt him moved closer to her.

A waiter walked inside the room breaking their moment. Meredith reached out for the margarita and Atlas took the scotch.

She took a sip and licked her lips. "This is good." She said placing it on the table in front of them.

Atlas leaned forward and cupped her face in his hand. His gaze dropped to her lips and Meredith felt her soul leaving her body.

"Fuck, I want to kiss you so bad. Can I kiss you, Meredith?"

He rasped as his eyes pierced hers, caressing her cheeks.

"Y-Yes."

The moment she agreed, he crushed his lips against hers. He bit her bottom lips softly asking for entrance which she gladly gave him.

Meredith felt her brain shut down. She felt her eyes fluttered shut as she indulged in the assault of his mouth against hers.

Meredith had no idea how long he kissed her but she pulled away, gasping for air. Atlas dipped his head and placed a kissed on her neck.

"You have no idea how I have been restraining myself not to kiss you since you entered this room. I want you, Meredith. So bad it hurts. So, tell me, have you thought about my proposition?"

Atlas pulled away and traced his hand across her cheeks.

"Remember what I said right? Anything that happens with Atlas stays between the two of you. Mr. Martini will have no idea and you won't discuss it with him.

You're a different person to me when you are at work." He placed a soft kiss on her forehead and God nothing had ever felt so perfect in Meredith's life.

"I know." She said her voice barely a whisper.

"You have to think about this very carefully Meredith. This wouldn't be just about sex. It would be about trust too."

He dropped a kiss on her nose, waiting for her answer but Meredith was feeling too lightheaded to even form words.

"Do you want to make a deal with the devil, sweet Meredith?" He rasped dusting his thumb back and forth over her bottom lips as he gazed into her eyes.