#candy love

Chapter 1:

It’s been 2 years since I left the city. Despite all the headaches, something just keeps pulling me back.

Or someone.

I’ve been spending my time building a café from scratch as I always dreamed of. It has a little library section, along with a tiny greenhouse where I grow all my herbs. I was so invested in making it mine that I built the entire thing myself. I got scars on my hands to prove it.

For a while, it kept me happy.

The peacefulness helped. No drama. Just serving customers, planning next week’s menu or experimenting with tea leaves.

I also started seeing… a few people.

One was kind. The other adventurous.

But in the end, they all lacked the same thing.

Sex.

I sighed at the thought.

Jason had many bad aspects that I could curse him for. But if there was one thing that he was particularly talented in, it was sex.

Leaving you breathless. Touching you, making you feel like you were a goddess.

And most importantly, he could go for hours. Giving your body all the attention it needs.

Did I always have an insatiable appetite? Is it something that just awakens or do you learn it from him?

Not like the answer would help me.

No matter how long I stay with any of the men here, I always end up dissatisfied.

I feel a little silly complaining about it, considering how everything else is going so well. But can it be described as an itch that just won’t go away? But nobody seems to be able to reach?

“Last stop! Please exit the vehicle!”

I twitch for a second, returning to reality.

After having left the city for 2 years, I am back. Just for a few days of course. To visit.

For no other reason at all.

I slowly get up, grabbing my suitcase and stepping out off the train. The cold air wakes me up after the 3-hour ride.

“I should make my way to the hotel first…” I mumble to myself. Might as well walk there and take in the changes.

Theres an energy that hasn’t been here before. People seem to be moving faster, most of the stores buzzing with activity. Did we always have so many tall buildings? It seems… new.

I take my time, not hurrying my pace. I left in such a rush last time, fearing Jason would show up any second to stop the process. Tempting me to stay.

He always had a talent showing up in the last second.

But now I can at least enjoy it my walk a little. Try to rewrite my last memories.

I notice the sun setting and keep the detours for tomorrow. As I approach my hotel, I get checked in, leave my bag in my room and then ascend towards the lobby.

An evening tea would do me wonders right now.

After making my order, I get comfortable in one of the chairs next to the hotel bar. The scent of peppermint tea calming me immediately.

And then from the corner of my eye, I see him.

Waltzing in all naturally across the lobby. Eyes slowly lingering on me.

I know him too well to call it a coincidence.

So I simply nod at him and sip my tea.

Despite closing my eyes to enjoy the flavor, I can hear footsteps walking toward me. A chair being pulled out. And then the sound of somebody getting comfortable.

“Kitten.”

My eyes slowly open, resting on the figure next to me.

“Hello, stranger.” I smile politely.

I notice the corner of his mouth twitching for a second. But his body posture remains as relaxed as ever. Or rather, in control.

His blue eyes stare back at me, as if aiming to uncover a grand secret.

“What a nice little surprise. You walking into this hotel and all…” I emphasize every word, my smile never leaving my lips. It’s almost like a challenge.

“How have you been?”

My casual tone seems to surprise him. His eyebrows rise for a second, before regaining composure.

“I have been excellent. Goldreams enterprise has expanded, and thanks to that I have been busier than ever.” he says, almost humming like a song.

I take the moment to observe him. His style is still the same. Suit and tie all the way, rings on the fingers… But there are a few more lines etched into his face.

Time has a way of showing itself.

“That sounds like your dream. Taking over business, attending all the meetings… It also explains the new buildings I saw outside during my little tour.” I express, sipping on my tea.

He studies me, before leaning back into his chair and ordering a glass of whiskey.

“What about you? It’s certainly been a while.”

I can tell how careful he’s being right now.

But I smile again. Politely.

“Good. I have my little café and all. It’s peaceful. Nothing as close to your empire of course.” I nod, enjoying myself.

“That sounds quite mundane.”

Ah. The first strike.

“Its certainly not for everyone.”

I won’t take his bait. I let it pass right through me.

There is a moment of silence before he continues.

“So, what brings you here? How long are you staying?”

I think for a moment, enjoying the silence.

“Visiting some friends and then heading back in a day or two.” I respond drily.

That’s when I noticed how quickly he finished his drink.

If anything, he was already on his 3rd whisky glass.

“Not to tell you what to do… but slow down there.” I comment, raising an eyebrow at his drinking pace.

He looks at me, then at his glass.

“Oh this? This is nothing.” He says, his fingers tracing the rims of the glass.

“Okay. But do you have anybody to drive you after?”

He laughs at my comment, glancing towards me.

“You’re concerned for my safety? How touching.”

I narrow my eyes.

Of course he would take that as a win.

His fingers run through his hair before focusing on me again.

“I have arrangements for such cases. Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

Of course he has.

For a second I imagine some special woman waiting for him to come home. Or somebody nearby taking him in.

He must have somehow read my thoughts because he started smiling at me.

“What were you thinking about, kitten?” he asks amused.

“Oh, you know, just what kind of arrangements exist for a businessman like you. It must be convenient.”

I can almost taste the venom in my mouth. Even if it’s uncalled for.

I need to reel myself back in.

“Well, when you have an enterprise as big as mine, you need a team of people you can rely on. Delegate your tasks too. Some you keep closer than others.” He explains, finishing his 3rd glass of whisky.

“Keep close, huh?” I repeat, trying to resist rolling my eyes.

“Oh, please don’t misunderstand, kitten. I keep it professional with my employees.” He grins before leaning in a little forward “though there’s always room for… exceptions.”

I stare at him unamused. He leans back, quite happy with himself, playing with his rings.

“I must say, this reunion has been quite refreshing.”

“Why don’t we get breakfast tomorrow? I can give you a tour of the city. After all, quite a lot has changed.” He explains, keeping his eyes on me.

His proposal surprises me a little. But it could be interesting.

“Alright… you may pick me up tomorrow for breakfast.”