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Chapter 6

A/N: ... And here is Stellan! Feel free to picture whomever you think best but this is who I see.

I feel Stellan's eyes sharp and intense on my back as I walk before him into my office. Viktor is paying my miracle crew but I know he'll have a few words to say when he gets back.

"Would you like the door closed?"

I gape, turning as I remove my blazer. Is it hot in here? I pull on my shirt, trying desperately to apply a little breeze to my overheated body. "Uh, yeah. Okay."

I hear it close and walk to my espresso machine, clearing my throat. "Would you like a coffee?"

"If you're having one, sure."

My eyes flicker to the cabinet as I place the cappuccino filter into it. My hands are shaking and I have no idea why. Just knowing he's looking at me is flustering enough. The looks he received- the expressions of pure shock on my staff's faces as they take in that he was the same person that walked into this building, grungy and unkempt- That man is no longer there.

I can now completely see why he was a male escort. I can completely understand why women would go out of their way to sleep with him.

He's awe-worthy.

"Aren't you going to comment on my look?" he asks curiously, coming up beside me. I resist looking over at him as he leans against the counter top, arms crossed.

"You look nice."

Nice? NICE?

"Nice," he murmurs, almost blandly as if he were hoping for more. I take a deep breath and hand him the coffee, pointing to the sugar and milk. I stick another filter in for myself, watching as he pours a small amount of milk into his mug- no sugar.

Viktor enters, popping into the room with exuberance. "Well, well, well, you do clean up nicely, baby."

I close my eyes, smiling in regret. I should have warned Stellan about him.

"Thanks."

Viktor sits down on the loveseat in the corner, smiling. "How old are you, if I may ask? Is that rude? Oh well."

"I'm twenty-six."

"Two years older than me... Who would have thought? I don't suppose you're gay?"

"Viktor!" I gasp, spinning around. My mortified expression makes Stellan laugh awkwardly beside me.

"I'm afraid not, sorry."

"Bi?"

"I swear to God, Viktor!" I growl.

"I'm done! I'm done. I had to try."

"Sure you did," I mutter, grabbing my coffee.

"At least someone thinks I look alright," Stellan jokes, sipping his coffee. "This one only gave me a nice."

I blush fiercely as Viktor sets his knowing, accusing gaze on me. "How could you? He's the epitome of beautiful!"

"I'm- I-"

Jesus Christ- SPEAK!

"Well, Stellan, her speechlessness gives you your answer. This woman is never fucking speechless."

Man, my face is red. I look down, sipping my coffee, wanting to die. I feel Stellan's warm gaze on my face.

His voice is soft. "Well, what happens now?"

I take a deep breath and keep my vision on my desk. "We're first going to Armani, then Burberry. We may stop in Gucci as well. Please call the stores ahead of time- let them know we're coming."