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diagk · 7 years ago

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Harel Deliss.

Solas co-owns “Harel Deliss”, a posh restaurant in the heart of town, where the elite class decides to spend their money depending on their whims. The stakes are high. Its rival is a well-known “De Fer’s Bouquet” run by a money-driven French born business woman. Ellana, our protagonist, gets unfairly dismissed from “De Fer” and finds herself, due to some unforeseen circumstances, in the need of money, and thus goes to competition to earn her due. Life is full of surprises, as they say.

Lesson Eleven: Be careful with your words. Read it on AO3.

I knocked and opened the door to Mr. Harel’s office. He was sitting behind his desk, head buried in the papers scattered all over the place. No sign of Dorian yet, although I suspected he would arrive shortly. He was not a morning person. As Solas saw me he rose and smiled timidly.

“Ellana… good morning.”

I closed the door and proceeded further into the room stopping at the desk. His curious gaze was following my every move. Embolden by his undivided attention I cleared my throat and gathered courage to say my part.

“I guess we need to talk,” I admitted meeting his gaze. He nodded then moved to sit on the edge of the desk. Right where I was standing.

“Go on.”

“I apologise for... leaving so soon after we were rescued from that elevator. I think I needed some air... to clear my mind. I was-“ I bit my lip and looked at the papers on the desk to avoid his penetrating gaze, “overwhelmed by what happened and needed some time to process it all.”

He nodded and asked: “Ellana, do you think I’m pressuring you?”

“What? No! Nothing like that. Everything that happened was consensual.”

“I know that,” he agreed, “what I mean is-,“ he smacked his lips and sighed. “I understand why you want to keep things professional. We have a relationship that is beyond work-related and sometimes it may seem that-I would not want you to think that I’m trying to take advantage of you.” His brows furrowed and worry crept into this gaze.

“I don’t think that way, Mr. Harel. Solas. It’s a bit complicated but-yeah, let’s just leave it at that. It’s complicated.”

“Complicated,” he savoured the word on his tongue. “It’s certainly the right word for this,” he motioned between us.

“Anyway… I wanted to ask you about Mr. Tethras,” I needed to stick to my plan.

“What about him?”

“Is he… safe to work for?” I hoped it did not sound as bad as I thought.

Solas leant back and crossed his arms on his chest. “Why do you ask?”

“Because my brother is working for him and I don’t’ know…” I wavered my hand around. “Maybe I’m being over cautions but something Mahannon said just –doesn’t seem right.”

A long silence filled the room as we were observing each other. He was thoughtful as if considering something before replying.

“I agree that Mr. Tethras is a talented businessman and investor. How he runs his own business is not my business. Do you understand?”

“So you have your suspicions?” I pushed a little harder.

“I think he will keep your brother out of trouble, Ellana. I would not worry about that. However, what or whom your brother involves himself with while working for Mr. Tethras should be between the two of them. And I assume that your brother is old enough to look after himself, right? Isn’t it a high time for him?”

Strange, his voice took on an icy tone when talking about my sibling.

“Ellana, I think you’ve done enough for your brother. From what you told me about your past, am I wrong?”

I sighed. He was right, I should stop worrying about Mahannon and let him live his life the way he see fit.

“Fine,” I agreed, “I trust you and Mr. Tethras. And if there was something going on I’m sure my brother would have told me by now.”

A few heart beats of silence filled the room again.

“Ellana,” he rose from the desk to stand before me with his hands behind his back. “What’s happened?”

“What do you mean?” I asked suddenly breathless.

“Why do you continue pushing me away?”

“I-“ I sighed as words left me.

He kept looking at me as if trying to find the answer on my face. “I promised to give you time and space as I understood you needed them. I thought we were making progress, small, but some. And after Friday I thought that-it would change everything for us. That you decided to-“ he clenched his jaw and licked his lips clearly frustrated. “I want to understand what I’m doing wrong. Am I pushing too hard or on the contrary, I’m not fast enough.”

“Ah, no. It’s not you-“

“Please, vhenan,” he snorted. “Don’t try this ‘it’s not you it’s me’ excuse. We are too mature for that. I would like the truth if you will.”

I took a long breath and decided to go with it, namely, telling him the truth.

“I don’t want to ruin the reputation of ‘Harel Deliss’. And if this,” I motioned between us, “ever got out you could be in serious trouble. And I would probably have to leave.”

He licked his lips and swallowed hard. Oh, so he considered this. Oh.

“I’m aware of that,” he admitted calmly.

Oh.

“However, I suspect there’s more to it than just your benevolent nature of preserving the good name of this establishment.”

I sighed. Here we go.

“I may have been informed that… certain photos and recordings got into the hands of… some people who would seek your harm. In a professional way, I mean.“ I bit my cheek silently pleading him with my eyes to stay calm. Which worked. Hmm. He was too calm.

“Photos and recordings,” he repeated quietly. “Of what or whom?”

Closing my eyes for a short while helped me to find the strength to divulge the rest of the secret.

“Us. Together. I saw the one of us from the hall, when you were embracing me. And I heard the recording of us from… the cellar. I suspect there are photos of that too.”

Solas closed his eyes and sighed. Just as he suspected. He managed to maintain his temper because of Ellana and her worried gaze. Anyone, who tried to hurt her will regret it. He decided it was imperative to consult their law advisor again.

“Right. What we need on top of that is the footage from the bank elevator now,” he remarked sarcastically, shaking his head.

“What?” I gulped. “Oh my, there were cameras! Oh my god! How stupid of me! Oh no!” His arms circled me instantly and I was hushed by his calm voice and humming of my name. He held me tight, assuring that they would not release any of the footage from the cameras. And that he was only joking. And that he was sorry for scaring me.

It felt good to be close to him and also to tell him the truth. When I calmed down he pulled away slightly to look into my eyes. “I will not let anyone to hurt you, vhenan. Remember that.”

“Thank you. I’m better now. It’s good that you know,” I admitted sheepishly. His thumb chased a lonely tear away of my cheek.

“I have known about this for a while,” he admitted.

“W-what?”

He sighed. “I wanted you to trust me. To tell me in your own time. And I’ve already taken certain… steps when it comes to the solution.”

“What steps?” I searched his face frantically for an answer.

“I’ve met with,” he sighed pausing in his speech, “Madame De Fer.” Seeing my jaw going rigid he continued. “It’s alright, my heart. I believe it still has to do with the recipes, am I right?”

I nodded unable to reply. His fingers kept brushing my jaw.

“Good. I have a meeting with Morrigan at the end of this week. I would very much like that you attend as well. She may be able to help.”

“You told her about this?” I could not believe that he was arranging things behind my back. But on the other hand he had some of it under control unlike me who was scared to tell him the truth in the first place.

“She’s of a peculiar character but she’s a brilliant lawyer. One who can rival the De Fer’s. One of the reasons we have been working with her for years now. You can trust her, love.”

“Alright, I will. I feel so embarrassed now,” I tried to hide my face in his chest.

He chuckled. “Don’t be. I understand your reservations. After all… I’m not an easy person to be around.”

“Or with,” I muttered.

“Hilarious.” His voice betrayed relief and humour.

Just when I was about to reply the door opened and Dorian came in. He rolled his eyes seeing us so close.

“Oh, for really? Keep your hands off her, Solas! It’s enough that you do not stop talking about her.”

I looked at Solas with a raised eyebrow. “You talk about me?”

He chuckled. “Sometimes.”

Dorian sat comfortably behind the desk and stated under his breath. “More often than sometimes. I’d say every single hour.”

I looked at Solas, who lowered his gaze and blushed slightly. Oh well. That’s new.

I left them to their own devices although Solas’ gaze was following me to the door.

“Could I have a moment, Miss Lavellan. Before I leave.” Not a request but rather an order.

“No,” I whispered to him frantically. “We are working on new recipes. With Lacy. She’s stubborn… and determined to get this right. And I need to fill an order for the ingredients.” I moved back to Harding’s side.

Mr. Harel walked around and exchanged a quick word with Patrick and Tom. Something about tomorrow’s menu. I was determined to not eavesdrop as I handed the chocolate flakes over to Lacy.

Suddenly, Mr. Harel appeared right next to me.

“I really would like a word with you. In private.” His voice was strained.

“Later.”

“Now, please.”

“No, I want to make this done.”

“Ellana, I would really like to see you for a moment.”

When I didn’t reply he asked coyly. “Shall I kiss you in front of everyone?”

I raised an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t dare,” I hissed. Totally aware that Lacy heard him as she stopped in her movements.

“Wouldn’t I?” He smirked.

The battle of glaring at each other was won by him. “Fine. Your office?” He nodded and I followed him.

The moment the door was closed I was against the wall and his lips on me. He was hungry and determined to kiss me properly. I moaned when he nipped on my lip.

“Don’t ever do that again,” he groaned into my ear. “I am at my wits end when it comes to you.” His hands travelled down to land on my hips and he grinded against me.

“Solas, this is crazy,” I moaned again. “We should not be doing this here.”

He hummed against my neck. “You’re right. Let’s go to my place.”

“W-what?! I’m at work if you haven’t noticed.”

“Just tell your boss you’re indisposed. He’ll understand.” His leg found its way between mine.

“Solas, you are my boss.”

“And I understand that you may be indisposed. You can go home. Preferably mine.” He chuckled licking along my neck. I keened and my breath hitched.

He leant back and looked at me. “Wouldn’t you rather we were in a warm bed enjoying this for the whole evening?”

“I can’t.”

“You can’t?” He asked mockingly. “Your body is telling me otherwise.”

“Damn it, Solas. I am indisposed today, so… I will not go to your place,” I hoped that he would get the hint.

“That you are. Now, as your boss I will make sure that you end up in a bed.” Another kiss on my lips. This time it was playful and chaste. “Is that better?”

“Solas, I’m- it’s that time of the month,” I huffed when he started nibbling my ear.

He stopped and met my gaze. “I see.” He kissed me on the forehead before releasing a long breath. “Are you in pain?”

I smiled. He could be so quick to change moods. “A bit. I took some painkillers earlier and they seem to help.”

He regarded me quietly for a moment as if considering his options.

“What if I ran you a bath and took care of you?”

“Why such a change?”

“You don’t think I’d like to take care of you? Hmm?” When I did not answer he continued. “You think I care only about sex?”

I sighed but was unable to come out with a decent reply.

He huffed. “It’s more than that Ellana. And I hope you know it. At least that’s what I thought we established this morning. Seems that we did not.” He let go of me clearly frustrated.

“Is that what-“ he started saying when Dorian opened the door and popped his head in.

“Good, you’re still here. We need to resolve… ahh, Ellana! I didn’t see you there in the corner.” His eyes moved between the two of us and understanding dawned on him. “Seems that I have interrupted again. Still, I would prefer your assistance, Solas.”

“I’ll be with you in a moment,” Solas was not pleased with the interruption. His stoic demeanour was gone and he was chewing on his cheek while regarding me closely. “We have not finished this discussion, Ellana. I hope-,” he sighed heavily and ran his hand over his face.”Fenedhis,” he hissed.

This was the first time I heard him swear.

“I’m unsure of what I’m doing wrong.” He looked at me, gaze full of longing and despair. Two steps and he was in front of me pulling my face up to kiss me passionately for a moment. “Fine, have it your way. I’ll call you later tonight.”

With that he left me to calm down before returning to the kitchen.

Morrigan. That was her name. She was currently sitting next to me asking particulars about my work at De Fer’s. Solas was sitting behind the desk, his hands playing absently with a pen, Dorian was gracefully sipping from a tumbler and walking around the room. It was late in the afternoon and I was getting more and more tired. I was up since five o’clock this morning. Yet, I gave my promise to Solas to be here, so here I was.

The woman was taking the notes and making small comments along. She was of a peculiar character, that was certain, and yet she emanated the air of strength and authority.

“I think I can work with that,” she decided after a hundred and one questions. She rose from her seat and packed her things. “I will contact you, Mr. Harel, as soon as I have something solid. Probably next week. Miss Lavellan,” she turned to me, “please send me those emails as soon as you can. Preferably tonight.”

At that point I would have agreed to anything. I was tired and even a warm cup of tea in my hands could not improve my mood. I was still sitting there, hands around the cup, inhaling the lovely smell of honey and lemon, as Solas moved from behind the desk to sit next to me.

“Vhenan, are you alright?” His eyes bore into mine.

“I’m exhausted, that’s all. I think I’ll take Lacy on the offer of swapping nights and just go home.” I admitted reluctantly. Looking around I discovered that we were alone. Dorian must have walked Morrigan out.

“You look a bit pale,” Solas stated while his hand caressed my forehead. Then he put a strand of hair behind my ear. “Shall I take you home?”

I shook my head. “I’m fine. I brought my car today.”

He nodded. “Very well. I will call you tonight to check on you.”

“You’ve been doing that a lot lately,” I snorted into my cup.

He looked at my drink scrunching his face. I knew he did not like tea. “Because I care about you, Ellana.”

“I know.” I still felt guilty after our talk the other day. And we did not have time to discuss it again. Or let him have a say. I muddled over that for a while sipping my tea.

“So, I’ll see you on Sunday?” I tried to make a conversation. If only to prevent myself from falling asleep right there.

“It’s my day off. I have something planned.” He sighed and clicked his tongue. “Maybe I could change it yet.”

I snorted again. How very ladylike.

“You’ll survive a day or two without seeing me.” I joked and got up.

“I doubt that.” He admitted.

I chuckled and gathered my things. “Well, I’ll talk to you later, Solas. If I do not answer that means I’m asleep. Don’t panic.” I pointed my finger at him. That brought a smile to his face.

“Very well, vhenan. Sleep well.”

A standstill, that’s what is was.

“You’re not going to tell me?” I asked again.

Solas was sitting behind his desk looking at me patiently. And without a word.

After asking him about his reasons to dismiss Silva he got quiet. ”I do not wish to comment on that. Just leave it be, Ellana.”

“What was the reason? Why can you trust me and just tell me?”

He opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind. Reclining further into the chair he pursued his lips and kept observing me with a heated gaze.

“Don’t ask questions I cannot give you answers to.”

“W-what? Are you’re kidding me? You just don’t want to admit that it had something to do with… the photos,” I ended up lamely.

He smacked his lips and took a long inhale. “I will not comment on that subject. Please return to your duties, Miss Lavellan.”

Solas levelled me with his eyes.

Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be. Well then, I thought dryly.

“You always think you know what’s best for me, right? Always so pompous and so correct,” I snarled with bitterness in my voice. “Well, I have a news for you, Mr. Harel. I can take care of myself.”

“I highly doubt that,” he remarked with a straight face.

That bastard! I almost lost my control. The stapler was the closest object on his desk and for a second I considered throwing it at him.

“So… you still think me being incapable of taking care of myself, I see.”

“Ellana, it’s not-“

“That’s fine,” I interrupted him. “At least I know that your opinion of me as a person has not changed since the day we met…”

“Ellana…” Did I just heard him growling? “Don’t push me.”

“Because what? You’re going to decide what’s going to happen next? Isn’t it what you always do?” I remarked sarcastically.

He stood up and slowly moved around the desk to stand a foot away.

“Be careful what you say, Miss Lavellan. I have little patience for childish behaviour. And that’s how you’re acting now.”

I observed his flaring nostrils and clenched jaw. Did I go too far?

“So now… I’m a child?” I raised my head defiantly.

His eyes followed the contour of my face and then landed on my lips. He licked his own before meeting my gaze. “I didn’t give you what you wanted so you started acting like one.”

“I just asked you a simple question and you dodged the answer!”

He shook his head. “Don’t raise your voice, Miss Lavellan. We are not at a bazaar. I would advise you to take a small break before returning to your duties.”

He turned around and walked back to his seat. Our eyes met. “We will not discuss it again.”

I turned around and left without a word.

#harel deliss #my writing #writing #moder au #solas #solas harel #ellana lavellan #17112017

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