A/N When the Author updates!!

Initially her morning wasn't as awkward as she had expected considering last night's episode. Possibly it was because she hadn't had to interact with the gorgeous specimen as of yet or she was too indulged in brewing her coffee that she failed to recall another human-being amongst the chaotic tower of sheets sleeping next door or even the prime indicator of his shirt tangled in with her own laundry. It indeed had slipped her mind so Claire still half-asleep, unaware to her surroundings had turned in alarm at the sudden appearance of a half-naked man entering the kitchen.

-"Are you going to pick that up?" He commented, his eyes trailing towards the floor where her feet sat comfortably in a pair of slippers. Failing to mention that shattered pieces lay helpless amongst the surface evidently due to Claire's cloddish performance of dropping the mug beforehand. Claire did only what a normal person would do and gape mindlessly towards the broken pieces as if it was something of an illusion.

-"Well?"

Claire blinked twice asserting her attention towards the half-naked man whose pyjama bottoms hung low on his hips and at that moment, his tongue glided across the bottom surface of his lip. Her knees wobbled in response, her toes curling at the sheer sight.

"Claire? Hello? Problem?" The movement of his lips soon became words from the continual snap of his fingers ringing reality. Claire frowned, "Okay, okay. I get the point."

-"Good. I'd thought I would have to pour a jug of water over you."

Claire sighed crawling down to her knees to begin to pick up the pieces. He remained where he was towering over her as if he was assertive leader. She dared to look up. "I can see I'm not going to get any help here." She said.

Zack refrained the urge to walk off feeling accustomed to that feeling of allowing others to tidy up for him, and instead got down to his own knees to join to gather the smaller pieces before placing them in the centre of his palm.

"What startled you anyway?" Zack asked.

Claire sighed. "You scared me. Okay? I forgot."

-"Forgot this sexy body?" Zack sneered.

Claire rolled her eyes as she got back up to her feet. "Of course." She said with sarcasm. Although despite her denial of his accusation, she couldn't help but feel truth in the matter. How could she blame herself though? A man wearing nothing but a towel last night and pyjama bottoms this morning saunters into her kitchen? It would be mad not to!

"It's okay, darling. I wouldn't blame you. I'd dig me." Zack said, smiling discreetly to himself.

"There's a mirror in the bathroom. Go ahead." Claire offered.

Zack laughed. "I will then."

Claire rolled her once again before heading out of the kitchen without the relish of her morning coffee that had been wasted upon Mr Conceited back there. She could only hope he lingered in the kitchen for a while so she wouldn't have to encounter him outside the bathroom. Her best option was to take clothes in with her, in case she so happened to come face-to-face with him, and barely able to maintain the towel around her. At that thought, a cold but delightful shiver ran down her back.

No, she thought. Don't you dare!

Claire hoped she would get at least a moment to herself yet this appeared inevitable as he had done a good job already of making his mark well known. There appeared to be no way she could escape his presence. But what did she expect? After all he was her roommate; paying half the bill so the array of men's shampoo and body wash shouldn't have been unusual to see stacked around the sink. What irritated her the most was written on the mirror; 'Good Morning, Beautiful!' He had the audacity to have ran his grubby fingers against the surface printing into last night's condensation ready to make an appointment with her impatience. Claire sighed daggering her eyes towards the closed door as if she had the ability to look right through where she could see him standing ahead probably smirking with triumph. Who did he think he was? The King of England? Did he forget that she had the power to easily kick him out? Regard his presence as a nuisance and ask him to leave? Or was he such a self-centred, egotistical fool that things like that did not cross his mind? He was not making first good impressions.

Pompous ass, she thought as she turned on the shower.

Zack sat on the sofa still longing in his pyjama bottoms as he flickered through the channels on the TV. Moments ago he heard the shower turn on and expected his little message to have inflicted some sort of sort of effect onto her. His smile slithered onto his lips as he shook his head. Way to make impressions, Zack. Just as he stopped at a day-time show, his phone began ringing on the coffee table ahead of him.

Zack picked it up, flicked to answer as he brought it towards his ear. "Hello, Zack Benson." Reluctant at first to answer with his official last name or assert Chase into the matter; yet he was glad he did hearing the soft, sweet innocent tone of his PA on the other line.

"Hello Sir, sorry to disturb you. I know you had assisted not to call you whilst away but I wanted to let you know that inspectors are making quick rounds to inspect the place." Olivia said, fear radiating throughout her tone.

"Sh*t." Zack breathed, running his hand through his hair as he recomposed his posture to sit up straight. "I would have preferred if you hadn't called me and allowed my mind not to wander to work." He commented.

"I apologise, Mr Benson." She replied.

-"Just make sure all faculty managers know this. We should be fine. I've never had a drop of trouble before. Let me know the score by the end of the day. I'd prefer you called between six and seven and no later."

"Yes, Sir." She said. Less than a second, Zack ended the call throwing his phone onto the pillow beside him before running his hands down his face. It was just what he needed. Inspectors. People who couldn't help to be under your nose. Why did he agree to this deal? A cycle of cursing words ran wild in his mind as he let another release of air in frustration.

At this moment, he had not heard Claire enter room, fully dressed to his dismay and trying to hold onto her composure as her eyes fell onto his yet undressed state. Zack raised his eyebrows, an effect he knew could irritate any other person when they are already plotting your murder in their head.

"Yes?" He finally said.

-"You realise we have work."

-"Yes. I do."

Claire pressed her lips together, a moment's pause. "Then you realise we've got to go, catch the bus and get there on time. But then...I could just go on myself."

Zack bit back another conceited comment and instead rose to his feet. "Of course. Apologises, Cupcake." Holding his hands in surrender.

"Could you not?" Claire muttered, feeling rather flustered at his choice of words.

-"What?"

"You know exactly what." She replied, trying to remain calm.

"No, I don't." He shrugged his shoulders, acting oblivious to her accusation.

Claire sighed. "Don't call me..." Her words drowning as she felt failure to reproduce the word.

"What? I can't hear you." Zack said, cocking his head to the side innocently.

"Cupcake!" She snapped, peeling away in embarrassment.

"Oh. Sorry, Sugar." He replied, holding his hands in surrender.

-"Seriously?"

Zack instead began heading for the corridor but not without stopping to add. "And I'll have a cup of coffee and slice of toast with a boiled egg."

Claire opened her eyes in surprise. "Excuse me?" Yet he continued to walk on leaving her to blink several times in revelation to what he had just asked of her to do. Now what, was she his maid or something? Who was this guy? She had least expected this of him from yesterday's first appearance where to be honest she portrayed him as a friendly, sensible guy not some jerk who he was turning out to be. Slowly by the second, he was becoming less attractive.

Claire crossed her arms, mumbling under her breath before finding that her feet took control to head into the kitchen where she couldn't believe she was actually thinking of making coffee for him.

Zack rolled up his sleeves of a cream shirt he had put on before dressing his appearance with a pair of glasses; false lenses but good enough to praise his disguise. Yesterday he failed to admit he was surprised that no-one had recognised him as he sat outside his building. Instead he got few dazzled stares of admiration but nothing that opened in shock to his presence. Zack hadn't made much changes to his appearance and by choice he added different coloured contacts, a subtle change but a major impact as proved yesterday. His clothes might have also been the suspect giving him that typical boy next door look but everything else he kept the same. It did surprise him. But part of him knew the reason why, prompting to his position as CEO. In actual truth, there wasn't much coverage on him unlike his Father who gained much more prestige during his appointment. Of course Zack had the reputation of being reckless with women but he was able to maintain an appropriate image. Zack had expected more coverage of his affairs into proposing business deals but yet any coverage took clock on his Father's name rather than his own despite his Father being no longer CEO. It did disappoint him a lot of the times feeling like he still walking behind his Father's shadow knowing he had a lot to work up to with the coverage his Father once had. The press still saw him as a little boy rather than a man. Zack could remember last year where he had successfully invested in three sustainable states working towards renewability but the press had only mentioned his name once and throughout the rest of the article, praised his Father on why Benson Corporations was succeeding. He tried not to allow his mind to wander too much on it. That could have also been the third reason why no one took notice, making sense that the CEO was already invisible as it is. So to Zack's benefit, his own self was his disguise.

Zack dismissed anymore thoughts, he was not one to share feelings or even dwell on the matters. Instead he took off the glasses for a moment shoving them in his breast pocket and headed out of his bedroom. As he rounded the corner, he was surprised to see another mug resting on the counter beside Claire who sipped from her own reading from this morning's newspaper. In particular his eyes travelled across the curve of her ass begging for his touch. The dress she wore was mouth-watering, clinging to her body to highlight her curves. As a man he could only allow his mind to wander pleasurable thoughts of guessing on what she wore underneath.

As he came closer, he could see how her eyes tried best not to divert interest from the paper yet he knew it wouldn't be long when her eyes would mean his own.

"Thanks." Zack smiled, chuffed to bits as he picked up the mug.

Claire rolled her eyes saying nothing. Zack smiled to himself before raising the mug towards his lips, at first the taste was agreeable to his taste buds but the after-taste soon disagreed otherwise. Zack spat back out in the mug shaking his head at the horrendous mouthful he had allowed enter his mouth.

"F**k. What the heck? I taste salt." He said.

"Apologises... I must have put the salt instead of sugar in." Claire commented, not once removing her eyes from the newspaper and only turning to the following page.

Zack hesitated deciding not to respond in his usual manner, "Accidents happen."

That got her attention as she lifted her head up. She expected something more than that. Where was the red raging face? The tension trembling at his jawline? Where was the fireworks?

"Yeah..." She muttered unsure herself how to respond.

No little than fifteen minutes, Claire was accompanied by Zack as they headed up the pavement towards the bus stop. It wouldn't take as long to get to work considering they were in the centre of Birmingham but it was still distance to walk by. Zack didn't have the appetite for the bus this morning nor did he have it anyway for public transport. He should be travelling in style; Wickes driving him there with the luxurious comfort of leather seats.

-"How long till it comes?"

Claire stopped at the bus stop, briefly glancing at her watch. "Should be here in three minutes." She replied. Zack had to refrain himself from sighing as he looked down towards the polished tips of his laced shoes.

As she had said, the bus pulled up outside the curb carrying little vacant seats. Claire stepped on first showing her pass before Zack followed paying for his fare. The gentleman who stood back of him stepped passed with the benefit of his pass making his way further down the bus. When Zack finally snatched his ticket off, his eyes daggered towards the same man sitting beside his roommate. Taking no hesitation, he stormed down grateful that the bus hadn't made movement yet and stood beside.

"Dude, get up." He barked, taking no notice towards the obnoxious attention he was gaining. Beside the man, Claire's face heated up red in embarrassment watching the heated confrontation.

"And why should I? Move on buddy, you're upsetting the little lady beside me." The man barked back before smiling to himself as he turned his attention back to the front of the bus.

-"That lady is my girlfriend. So move it before I f**king make a masterpiece out of your face."

The man raised his eyebrows as he considered his options, and to Zack's dismay held his hands mockingly in surrender as he got up. "Chill. I'm going." He said, getting up. Zack held onto the bar, his eyes trailing hot onto the man who headed upfront of the bus. Only then did he turn taking seat next to Claire who couldn't even breathe a word or look at him for that matter.

"Hello, sugar." He muttered as he leant in close, smirking at his display that the entire bus probably caught onto. Claire crossed her arms in a huff.

-"Do you always have the audacity to remove innocent men from their seats?"

"No, but he took my seat." Zack replied, glad that he had her speaking and not blanking him entirely.

Claire snorted. "Oh I see, so that seat just happened to have your name imprinted there, did it?"

-"Yes."

"And don't parade me as your f**king girlfriend." She hissed, looking out towards the blurred scene outside once again.

-"Apologises."

Claire laughed with displeasure. "Of course you are."

-"You're not going to blank me now, are you? It would be an utter shame if I had to sit alone without a word from you."

Claire turned to look at him this time, "I should be considering your placement in my home. At this moment, it's riding on a single thread. You've just embarrassed me big time on this bus." She spat.

Zack thought carefully on what next he was to say knowing the anger throughout her tone was dead serious and she was not one to let him off lightly, hence this morning's coffee. Oh he was so wrong about this one. Easy to take to bed? Thought not. Finally he said, "And I apologise. I...guess I got a little over protective."

Mentally he ticked the score sheet watching as her expression lighten and she took the chance to look over to him. "Protective?"

Zack smiled. "Look, I was a d*ck. I'll even apologise to that man if it makes you feel better. But honesty I want us to become great friends, so can we start again?" Zack offered, extending his hand out.

Claire hesitated but found herself unable to refuse. "Okay."

-"Great." As her hand went to shake his. The initial touch caught both their attention, perhaps a spark or tingle of delight but it lingered as they let go. Zack cleared his throat looking elsewhere feeling for a spilt second a sense of awkwardness, and as did Claire who instead turned to look back outside again.

-"And you don't need to apologise to that man." Claire found herself saying breaking the silence between them as the bus stopped at a stop. Zack smirked with triumph to himself. It was just about taking baby steps.

"And why's that?" Zack replied, looking over.

Claire pressed her lips together then answered in a hushed tone. "He...was a tiny bit creepy."

Zack laughed running an arm over her shoulders as he brought her in close. Claire felt her skin prickle with heat as she pushed away. She wanted only to extinguish that sensation. It displeased her to think that her body reacted differently wanting the comfort of his arms and touch of skin against hers. Maybe she was just sexually frustrated, she had to blame it on something knowing for sure she did not want to catch feelings for this guy. Good looks weren't going to fool her.

"Okay, boundaries?" She flushed.

Zack smiled. "Apologises."

Thankfully the journey had come to an end, and Claire found no better joy from getting up and being able to breathe air than the pleasant strong cologne that had driven her crazy for the rest of the duration on the bus.

It didn't help as they made way up towards the building, the obvious admiration he was gaining particularly by the female population. Each of them ogling him as if they had never seen a man in their life but to be honest that was exactly how she felt yesterday and this morning. And there it went again, that fuzzy feeling sending chills up her spine. How was she supposed to get rid of that thought of his mean six pack? How was she supposed to not admire a man like him?

Claire entered reception taking note on Darren's absence which was most likely due to how late she arrived thanks to Zack. He instead stopped at the doors, hesitant as it appeared before finally making foot further in. Claire continued on passing reception desk until she found her feet coming to a sudden halt. Or most specifically his hand obstructing her from moving any longer. Zack latched onto her hand pulling her back towards him.

-"Woah." She gasped. "What are you doing?"

Zack pulled her to his side. "Wait with me, darling. I got to check in." He said, pulling her still towards the reception desk. Claire let out a release of air as he pulled her alongside him at the curved marble-surfaced countertop.

"Morning, lovely." Zack smiled towards the receptionist who flustered at sight. Claire could only roll her eyes at his performance. "I'm Zack Chase, I'm a new employee. Could you be a darling and sort my pass out?" He asked, sliding his fingers across the surface.

-"Of c-course. I'll check... for you on the database."

Claire could only drown out the rest of their petty small talk whilst the receptionist tapped her manicured nails on the keyboard; cheeks blaring red. She was glad when their conversation came to abrupt end due to the ringing telephone. Zack's hold of her hand remained still even as they began moving away that she finally caught onto this and had to remind him.

"You can let go of my hand now." Claire prompted.

-"Oh. Sorry. I was getting quite use to that."

Claire ran her hand across the side of her peacoat struggling to remove the lingering sensation upon her palm. She needed to set serious boundaries between them.

They headed to the lifts entering the first vacant shaft that came to the ground floor. Claire went forward tapping her floor number in before travelling into the far corner. Zack followed soon after taking the opposite corner resting his back against the wall whilst his fingers tapped incessantly on the bar his hands rested on. It was straining on Claire's patience at every second that passed. She was only relieved when the lift came to a stop onto her floor, only she didn't expect Zack to follow her out.

Claire turned on her heel. "What are you doing?" She hissed.

Zack raised his eyebrows, "Going to work."

-"Wait...you're on this floor?"

Zack looked around his surroundings then back to her, "Pretty sure." He replied.

Claire barely had chance to reply when Graves intruded into the space. "Ah, I presume your Zack Chase. Good to meet you. And Claire, I see you've met your assigned partner for this week." Graves said, extending his hand out to Zack who shook firmly.

"Whaaaa?" Her words running off as she looked back and forth to them both.

"Yes. I know you will do it well. Don't forget our arrangement by the end of the week." Graves spoke with a chilling smile breaking onto his lips. Then he left heading away leaving Claire beside Zack who leant in close to speak. "What arrangement?" He asked.

Claire shook her head. "I have no idea."

-"Claire!" The alert of Darren's voice breaking through.

Claire turned towards Darren who was approaching fast, "There you are. I was waiting all morning fo-

His words cut off short as his eyes laid upon Zack standing alongside her. There was reason to believe it was because of his attractive appearance.

"Yeah, sorry. We got caught up..." She mumbled, her eyes peering over to Zack who stood only with amusement lit up on his face.

"Oh. No worries. I'm making tea in the kitchen." Darren said, jerking his thumb back.

-"Thanks. I'll be over there in a bit. I've just got to get Zack set up."

Darren nodded, briefly glancing over to Zack before shuffling his feet quickly to travel off. Claire let out a release of air. "Well...looks like I'm never going to have a break from you."

Zack laughed. "And that is a problem?"

Claire daren't answer as she began to move to the back of the workplace heading over to her cubicle. She didn't need to see if Zack was following because of the female attention he was gaining as she walked down. Placing her bag on her desk, she turned on her heel waiting as Zack caught up to her.

"Okay. You're are going to have to share my desk I guess." She began. "And I'll start you off easy."

-"Sure."

"Just let me go get you a chair." She said as she took off her coat to place it behind her own chair. Heading to the front of the office she looked for a spare chair lying about hoping that one would be unused. Thankfully there was one to the left at the front with only spare plain paper stacked on top for the printer adjacent. Claire began rolling it along stopping briefly as her eyes ran to the back where Monica was already making acquaintance with Zack.

"Of course she would." Claire spat under her breath.

-"Claire?"

Claire turned her attention towards Jason who was heading over with a gleeful smile.

"Hey, Claire. I was looking for you this morning. You're usually early." He said.

Claire smiled, "Oh, yeah. I had...a tricky morning. Traffic and all." She knew that was a lie. Her eyes couldn't help to peer back over to the back distracting her from hearing even the slightest thing Jason was saying to her that when he finished, she was left in a muddle to what to say.

"Sorry." She said, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I didn't hear the last part."

Jason laughed. "I can see. I was actually asking if you decided on this weekend."

-"Oh, of course. Erm...could I get back to you on that. Sorry, it's just I have a new trainee."

Jason nodded, still smiling that she couldn't tell if he was annoyed or relaxed about her answer. Claire smiled in return before rolling the chair on feeling an utter fool for not just giving him an straight answer right there. Truth was she more concerned about the woman bestowing herself towards her roommate. Why? She didn't know.

As she got closer towards them both, instantly Zack took alert to her appearance.

"Claire, I was just talking to Monica here. Isn't she delightful?" Zack prompted, smiling back towards Monica who in nonsense battered her eyelashes.

"Oh...yeah." Claire muttered, refraining the urge to roll her eyes. Without her knowledge, her jawline began to tense at the affectionate display Monica proposed forward onto him. She flattered his chest, resting her hand upon him as she laughed lightly. "Oh, we must talk soon. You know where to find me." Claire could only imagine her there as blood-sucking Vampire luring him in.

"Indeed. We must. Till later." Zack replied, before pressing a kiss against the top of her hand. Claire shivered in disgust trying her best to focus on setting her computer up. When she finally left, Zack let out a release of air and what next he said, surprised her.

"So is she the office sl*t?" He asked.

Claire opened her eyes in surprise but refused to allow words to leave her mouth. Zack shuffled on his feet beside her.

-"So who was that guy you were talking to?"

Claire raised her eyebrows at his change of subject. "A colleague."

Zack took seat on the chair she had provided and spoke out, "It looked more like that. The way he looked at you."

Claire blushed red, "Just colleagues. Besides I see it fit as none of business. So let's get on with the work, shall we?" She finished, sitting down in her own chair.

"Okay, sugar." Zack said, holding his hands in surrender.

Claire daggered her eyes towards him as she sighed. "I thought we promised no nicknames."

-"I don't recall that, sugar."

Claire sighed, refusing to start another argument and instead began to approach on getting him started with the work provided. Throughout the entire introduction, Zack took barely any notice only distracted by the women walking purposefully by whom Claire knew they dare did not any other time come over her part, only now for him. Claire did not allow that to get to her and before she knew it, she was able to leave him with work and finally head off to Darren who remained still in the kitchen.

Darren rushed over towards her at sudden appearance, pulling her with urge over to the table.

"So, what was he like? He do you good?" Darren blurted.

Claire gasped. "Darren! I did not have sex with the guy!"

Darren whined, flopping his head forward. "I wanted details...dam. And the way he stood by you this morning, anyone would have thought you two were an item."

"We're not." Claire clarified. "I've barely had a break from the guy."

-"So I see. You look exhausted."

Claire frowned. "Do I?"

-"Yes. So...what's he like?"

Claire sighed. "A jerk. One of those guys. But I'm not going to let him get to me. I need the money for the flat so...he'll just have to stay. As long as we work on a game plan meaning I see very little of him, then I'll be fine."

Darren snorted. "You know that's not going to happen. You live with the guy."

-"And work."

Darren laughed. "You'll probably end up as couple."

Claire daggered her eyes towards him. "Don't start, Mister. "

"Jason was looking for you earlier." He said.

Claire nodded as she took a sip from her mug before she answered. "Oh I know. And I totally f**ked that up. I can't even give the guy a straight answer."

Darren smirked. "I think...you've been occupied with something else lately that it's put you off track."

Claire's nose wrinkled like a tomato as she frowned. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Darren smiled innocently. "Oh, nothing."

After another ten minutes, Claire left with Darren heading to actually begin to start on her own work but when she returned, the chair sat beside hers was left unoccupied. Claire sighed turning towards Darren who raised his eyebrows.

"He hasn't even started. Where the f**k has he gone?" She grumbled.

"You probably scared him off. Or Monica is giving him a good old warm welcome." Darren sneered.

Claire shook her head taking seat onto her chair trying her best to distract her mind from him and rather focus on her work. If she was ever to get a promotion then at least keeping on track of her work would help.

Little than fifteen minutes and her attention turned towards the far corner at the front where Graves' office was located, it was also where Monica exited the office alongside Zack. Claire gripped her fists, relaxed them a little knowing it was no good to get angry about it. She tried her best on focusing her attention towards the computer screen that when she felt his presence breeze behind her, she tensed.

-"Sorry, I got a bit caught up." Zack apologised sitting down on his seat. Claire refused to look over, only continued typing upon the keyboard which by this rate was putting more pressure on the keys that the sound only became raucous blurring out the rest of the office.

-"Claire?"

Claire's fingers continued to punch down on the keys highlighting the anger that burned deep inside her. She did not breathe a word.

"Claire?" He repeated once again.

This time she snapped, "What?" Darren opposite her peeked his head over the cubicle but soon decided not to stay for the show seeing the anger written across her face.

"I apologise I haven't started." He reiterated, somehow enjoying the display of her anger radiating off her. In fact watching her brown eyes turn dangerously darker and the notable raise in her chest flaunting her bust was pleasurable; he was a man so of course he couldn't help not to.

"Have you quite finished?" She queried with displeasure taking note towards his wandering eyes.

Zack cleared his throat, "My purpose only to compliment."

Claire snorted, "Do you do that to all the women you meet? Do you recite endearments hoping to flatter a woman? Get them in your bed? I can already see though you've made yourself a home too. No go ahead, it's not like I need this job!"

He raised his eyebrows, "Made myself a home? What?"

"You know perfectly well." She hissed, her eyes flickering quickly towards the front of the office where Monica stood amongst a group of other female colleagues.

Zack choked on his laughter. "Wait...you think I f**ked her in the office?"

Claire didn't respond only ducked her head down trying best to look interested in the document laid on the desk before her than him beside her.

"You do, don't you?" A dry, humourless laugh left his lips.

Claire couldn't help but huff to herself as he only shook his head in disbelief.

-"Why you jealous, then?"

Claire gasped lifting her head up then. "How dare you!"

Zack shrugged his shoulders, kicking his feet on the end of the desk. "That's what I see."

"I would never be jealous of you! You...You're a....

-"A what?" Zack interrupted, kicking his feet back off as he took lead to reduce the space between them as he leant in.

"A-A. Jerk!" She spat, her cheeks flaring red at the close contact between them. Once again his cologne took intrusion hindering her every thought and feeling. And why did he have to be so gorgeous she thought trying her best to match his intense glare at what appeared to be game of stare-off.

She was first to blink.

"Just so you know, honey. You're playing a dangerous game. A game I always win. So it's at your best interests to get on my good side." Zack muttered in a low hush, a smirk flickering onto his lips.

-"Oh really? Well I hope you remember I hold...something called accommodation."

Zack only moved forward, "You wouldn't even if you wanted." He challenged, his own nostrils engulfed in the sweet scent of her perfume. It barely helped with every thought tempting as it could be telling him to take lead and suffocate that mouth of hers with his own.

Claire huffed turning away. "Go, f**k yourself."

Zack only smirked, stood up and bent down to in close proximity to her ear covered by the tresses of hair. "I could but what would be the fun in that seeing as...I know you'd rather it was my d.ick thrusting inside your p.ussy." He muttered in a hushed, dangerous tone.

Claire flared red just like a traffic light changing red. Consequently she squeezed her inner thighs feeling insanely hot all-over that it was struggle to bypass the delightful sensation provoking her even more. Zack however only walked off plastered with an arrogant smile flattering his triumph over the matter.

She was either insane or stupid but she got up following hot on his trail as he went through the door where the emergency or if you-were-feeling-active to walk upstairs were located. Claire pushed open the door jumping hot on his heels as he turned around beckoning for her reaction. She threw her hands across his chest instantly regretting her decision soon after as he took a-hold of her wrists, swiftly sped her around so that she was against the wall and purposefully pushed his body against her. Claire tried her best to push him off despite the feeling of rapture begging to be set free. Zack held hold of her chin as she tried to turn her head away. His body against her fitted like a mould and despite the boundary of clothes between them both it was possible to feel every inch of his body. Claire couldn't lie but the erratic beat of her heart wasn't because of the confrontation but the pure intimacy unleashed onto her. And she was pretty sure too that she could feel the bulge in his trousers pressing against her; teasing and tempting.

"Darling, you'd think I would stoop that low?" He muttered moving closer towards the lobe of her ear.

Claire hissed back. "Who knows what you're capable of."

He laughed, the sound haunting to her ears, "You're right. I'm capable of so much more." Instantly she gasped at the sudden movement of his fingers taking direction towards the edge of her dress sensuously sliding up her legs daring to go beneath and slither up her thigh. It was effortless the way he moved threatening the slightest sanity she had left. As much as she hated herself for allowing him to pursue on it couldn't bypass the gratifying affection it had upon her. His fingers changed direction watching the agreeable glint in her eyes and the erratic behaviour of her breathing that he trailed his fingers slowly towards her inner thigh before stopping. He couldn't explain what he felt but something tugged at him to take her exposed, red-painted lips that what came next was no surprise.

Stepping back only slightly, he brought both hands to cup her face before he kissed her. At first it began slowly testing the waters like gently nipping at the bottom of her lip. Then less than a moment's breath, her response was more than he expected igniting a long-lost flame. Claire rushed her arms around his neck allowing the freedom of his hands moving momentarily down her body. Her mouth, sweet and hot against his voluntarily parted colliding her own tongue and his in a teasing slide. Urgency built on as his hands greedily grabbed her ass pulling her only closer towards him. Claire ran her hands through his hair taking extreme liking to the sensation of running her fingers through his hair. Nor he or she could explain the feeling they felt pressed together in an undeniable attraction.

Zack tore his mouth away taking a second's breath before the hunger gnawing away at his heart drew him back in.

Yet it was not to last at the sudden break of Claire's mouth from his. She held her hand over her mouth looking shamefully down to the floor. Zack's gentle approach didn't change her mind as she moved away from him.

"No. No. I'm not f**king attracted to you! You're a jerk!" She snapped.

"Well you could have fooled me!" Zack barked back, holding his hands up.

-"That was a huge mistake!"

Zack laughed, "Darling, you call it a mistake. But your tongue was down my throat."

Claire huffed. "I hate you."

Zack smirked. "Good because I hate you."

-"I hated you first."

-"I hate you more."

Claire shook her head storming off as she pushed the door with Zack following hot on her heels. Neither of them said another word, she went one way and Zack went the other. Or to be more exact, Claire took towards the bathroom and Zack stormed off back to her desk where he flopped down onto the chair letting out a release of air. He couldn't believe what just happened back there nor did he expect things to escalate that quick; their hands were all-over each other in a hot ball of flame. Zack let out another breath still trying to calm his own hammering heart that continued to beat beneath his silk shirt.

Claire held onto either side of the sink as she let another shaky breath. How did that happen? How did she even allow that to happen anyway? What was she thinking? Her reflection met her in the mirror frowning at the reminder of his lips just seconds ago on hers. She was either really desperate for physical contact or she was off the rails to do something so stupid. But part of her couldn't deny the attraction there, the behaviour of her heart and breathing told her stubbornness otherwise. Was she going mad?

She did return to the office, her head held high and shoulders raised forward, not once dropping her posture as she made way to her desk. Zack remained seated as she held her dress down to ensure it did not rise as she slowly began to take a seat. Nothing was said cementing the awkwardness between them. He coughed to clear his throat then picked up a piece of paper as if interested in the minuscule words printed upon it with no relevance to him whatsoever.

-"Claire. Where did you two head off to?" Darren broke in as he walked around. He smiled still holding a folder in his grasp. Claire looked shamefully down to her feet as she grumbled, "I had to...go toilet."

Darren raised his eyebrows, "Together?"

Claire gasped. "No." Then peered through the corner of her eyes towards Zack who remained silent. Thanks for the help she thought. "I showed him how the printer worked then I went to the toilet. Okay?"

"Okay." Darren smiled. "Hey, while you were gone. Graves gave word that inspectors are on way so Monica's getting pep talk." His brows lifting suggesting something else.

"Okay thanks." Claire replied, refusing to look at him. Darren remained there for second, eyeing suspiciously between them both before heading towards the front of the office. As soon as he was out into the distance, Claire was first to break, hissing in a hushed tone, "Thanks for your help!"

Zack turned his chair around to face her, "I didn't think you needn't my help." His expression sombre with no trace of a smile upon his lips.

Claire was unable to respond when the interruption of his phone ringing on the desk cut her off. Zack picked up the phone, his eyes flickering to the screen deciding whether or not to answer before sliding his finger across the screen. Claire rolled her eyes, sinking further down her seat as he walked off.

Zack made way back towards the stairs, opening the door ensuring it shut after him then did brief inspection of the stairs for any other presence before he replied. "What do you want?"

"To see how it's going." The irritating sound of his friend, Kyle laughing down the other line.

"Well I f**ked up." Zack sighed leaning on the rail. His eyes flickered back over to the spot where he had her pressed against the wall. Flashbacks of his mouth running wild over hers, his fingers tracing up her nylon tights and the feel of her breasts pressed against his chest.

"Looks like I'll have to ring up Trevor. And drop the keys to your car on the way in." Kyle laughed. "I knew you wouldn't be able to do it. It's been one night and you've f**ked up already."

Zack snapped. "I didn't say I f**ked up completely. And when I say it's over, I'll say it's over."

-"What did you do anyway?"

Zack groaned running his hand through his hair. "I...kissed her."

Kyle gasped down the phone with intention of emphasis. "No way! You're not gay!"

-"F**k off, Kyle."

Kyle settled down before resuming, "Well, what's the big problem? You said it would be easy to bed her? So, go ahead."

"I can't." Zack confessed.

-"Wait...

-"No." Zack interrupted. "I haven't caught feelings for the girl. I barely know her. I just can't because she....isn't as easy as I had hoped. She's feisty, Kyle. She takes no sh*t."

"Well, dam. Makes the game even better." Kyle replied.

"No, it doesn't. Look, I have to go. I need to patch things up and I have inspectors doing rounds on my place. So I'm hanging up and I swear if you've f**ked up my house, I'll f**k you up." Zack threatened towards the end before hanging up just like he'd said. And with that he shoved his phone in his breast pocket then opening the door returning back into the office.

As Zack edged around the corner, he halted immediately at the sight of another guy sitting in his chair in conversation with Claire. Her eyes flickered to his yet displeased own. The guy turned standing up to his feet.

"Apologises, there. I didn't mean to snatch your seat." He smiled, extending his hand out. "Jason."

Zack looked in disgust towards his hand dismissing his kind gesture and walked around him sitting down in his own chair. Claire offered a warm smile to Jason who shrugged his shoulders.

"Erm, well. I'll pick you up Saturday, then." Jason said, alerting Zack's attention.

Claire smiled in return then waved lightly as Jason headed off leaving her and Zack alone. Instantly he snapped his head up, "Saturday?" He said.

Claire sighed, "None of your business."

"I'll make it my business. Or should I familiarise him with earlier on when you couldn't keep your hands off me." Zack said, jerking his thumb behind him.

Claire gasped, "You wouldn't dare! And If I recall, it was you who had your hands on me."

-"Oh don't complain, you loved every second. No other man could touch you the way I just did, darling. And you f**king know it."

Claire huffed. "You pig!

Zack smirked, "Honey, don't worry, I'll keep your little crush on me a secret."

Claire laughed, "You're insane! If anything it's you who has a crush on me! You f**king kissed me!"

-"And you kissed me back, sugar. You're looking a bit flustered, love. How about I leave you so you can calm down. I mean I know I'm gorgeous but jeez...you might need a fire extinguisher to cool you down."

Claire gasped her eyes following his every movement as he stood up and left. "Au revoir." He said.

-"What's wrong with you?" Darren queried as he walked up the aisle towards Claire noticing the red flare in her cheeks.

"Nothing." She grumbled, crossing her arms.

"Sure looks like it." Darren snorted.

She would have liked to have said the entire thing was a reconstruction yet it wasn't and they had kissed in crime.

I bet you weren't expecting that! *Sits back, chuffed to bits.

Thank you for reading chapter 5 and I hope you enjoyed it! I hope this has given you insight on the relationship between Zack and Claire you can expect. And that KISS! DAM! THEY ACTUALLY DID KISS! NO RECONSTRUCTION THIS TIME GUYS! I can't wait for the next chapter! What's going to happen now? Is Claire going to kick him out? AHHHHHHHH, I DON'T KNOW!!

I just love Zack. And I love Claire. Perfect match.

IF YOU ENJOYED PLEASE VOTE, COMMENT AND SHARE! THANK YOU!

THANK YOU,

VAMPIREFANGSRULES

XXX