[ U N E D I T E D ]

"Babe!"

 Zea's hand flew up, as her room door burst wide open, slamming into the wall.

"What are you going to wear?"

"Bloody hell Carrie!" Zea scolded her cousin whilst checking her face in the mirror, grumbling as she spotted a thin black streak near her temple. She laid her eyeliner down and proceeded to rub off the streak.

"Oops, sorry babes," she apologised sheepishly.

"Cause 'sorry' is going to pay for my wall," Zea snarked as she continued to apply the final touches of her make-up.

Carrie flopped onto Zea's bed, arms spread wide, "Oh, don't be so dramatic!"

"You know, instead of lounging around in my room, why don't you help me pick an outfit out."

 Immediately jumping to her feet, Carrie began happily browsing through the dresses and gowns, cooing and 'ooh'-ing at the choices. She takes multiple dresses off the rack, comparing them, judging them. As she stuffs a dress back in the wardrobe, a new one appears.

Zea gave her face a last spritz of setting spray before turning to her cousin, "Right, I'm done. What did you pick out for me?"

"Alright, it's between this blue one and this pink satin one," Carrie said, lifting the dressed in either hand.

Zea looked at the midnight blue off-shoulder dress, recognising it. It was figure-fitting and long, the trail touching the floor, "Hmm, that blue one's lush. I wore it to last years gala." 

"But I haven't had a chance to wear that pink one yet."

Carrie pushed the satin dress into Zea's arms. The low-cut halter top would frame her chest attractively, the dress was slightly flowier than the previous one, more fitting around her waist. The pinkish, rose-gold colour would complement nicely with her tanned skin and the slit along the bottom side of the dress would accentuate her long legs.

"This one. It's classy and shows more skin than the blue one."

"And why do I need to show more skin?" Zea asked quizzically.

"Because of a certain doctor, hmmm."

Zea rolled her eyes, smiling as her cousin wiggled her eyebrows teasingly, "You're a bloody burden. I just said he was good-looking."

"If I recall you said he was unbelievably hot."

"Same thing, Carrie!"

Carrie folded her arms, a knowing smirk playing on her face, "You want to shag him, don't you."

Zea threw her hands up in defeat, "I want you to get out so I can change."

"You so wanna bone him."

"You are unbearable!"

Carrie laughed, "But you love me."

"Do I?"

Carrie stuck her tongue out at her cousin and walked out of Zea's room.

"Where are you bringing my dress?" Zea questioned when she spotted Carrie walking out with her blue dress. "Don't you have your own clothes?"

"Yea but yours are more glamourous."

Zea fought the urge to roll her eyes once again, as Carrie walked out of her room, dress still in hand. At least she could get ready in peace.

As they stepped into the ballroom, Zea couldn't help but notice how exquisite the venue was. The ballroom was huge, decorated with white and gold drape, dazzling white flowers were the centrepiece on all of the rectangular tables. Splitting the ballroom into half was a beautiful red carpet, leading up to the couple's table, that contrasted with everything else in the ballroom.

Classical wedding music echoed off the walls, slightly drowned out by the chatter of people.

"This is proper posh, init?" Stated Carrie as they walked towards their table, arms linked, "This isn't my cup of tea, but it is yours."

Zea couldn't deny that she did have a taste for the finer things in life as compared to her more rustic and rugged cousin. Though she was not planning to have a wedding anytime in the near future, she couldn't deny that a wedding as fancy as this would be amazing.

Arriving at their assigned seats, they recognised a few old friends from her university.

"Carrie! Zea! It's so delightful to see y'all again!" Said one of them, standing up to air kiss each side Zea and Carrie's cheek.

A few others stood up as well, each greeting them with handshakes, hugs and kisses on the cheeks. It was nice seeing familiar faces. Some of whom she hasn't seen in more than four years, but it was a good time as any to catch up.

Everyone took their seats and began chatting and reminiscing about the old times, clinking their glasses to past memories and empty promises of meeting up soon. As Zea sipped on her champagne, her eyes caught sight of a certain doctor standing a few tables away.

There he was, Lucas Brandons. Standing there with a flute in hand, wearing his best-man suit that was a perfectly tailored fit, showcasing his broad shoulders and lean frame. His posture was strong, and an aura of confidence emanated from him as he chatted with the rest of the groomsmen. 

As if sensing Zea's gaze, he turned to look over his shoulder, offering a dimpled smile as his eyes found hers. But instead of shying away after being caught, she gave him a dazzling smile of her own, raising her glass and shooting him a wink before returning to her conversation.

Looking back up, she realised Lucas wasn't standing there anymore, she felt slightly disappointed but pushed the feeling aside and focused on her current company.

Clink, clink. The tapping of the glass echoed around the ballroom.

"Evening everyone! May I bring your attention to this table." Everyone went silent and turned their heads or chair to face a petite lady dressed in violet. Zea recognised her as the maid of honour, the bride's best friend.

"It's time to give a toast to our lovely bride and groom," She started, but before she could continue, the ballroom erupted into cheers and applause as the couple waved and raised their glasses in salute from their table. Once the crowd subsided, the maid of honour took a deep breath before continuing, "But before that, a few others and I would like to say a few words while your food is being served ." 

And so she began by congratulating the couple, joking that Vanessa should thank her for being the one to introduce the two. She ended by wishing her best friend the best of luck, in married life, both shedding a few tears from the sweet and heartfelt exchange.

Next, the maid of honour handed the baton over to the groom's father, who gave a short lighthearted speech about how proud he was of his son for finding someone as smart and caring as Vanessa, and ended the toast with, "At least now I have a daughter-in-law who laughs at my stupid jokes. Cherish her Rick. Cherish her as I did with your mother and don't let her go."

After he sat down, a couple stood up. Based on the resemblance, they were Dr & Mrs Brandons. Vanessa and Lucas' father was a tall and stoic caucasian man. The brown hair on the side of his head was greying, and his face slightly worn from the stress of life. Aside from that, he was still a very handsome man, and it was clear where Lucas got his looks. He had an aura commanded order and discipline everywhere he went. 

On his arm was a beautiful Asian lady. She was slim and petite, and her jet black hair fell into voluminous curls. She looked like she wasn't a day over 40. Contrasting to her husband, Mrs Brandons seemed like a very carefree person, from the soft look of her eyes to the genuine wide smile she offered everyone in the room.

Dr Brandons began his toast to his daughter. The stony look on his face was transformed into a cordial smile as he addressed the couple. His wife smiling as she added words of her own, expressing their love for their daughter and brand new son-in-law. The toast ended on a sweet as both parents went to hug to newly-wedded couple.

"I guess it's my turn now. Save the best for last they always say." The ballroom laughed at Lucas stood from his seat.

Lucas buttoned his suit and begun his toast. It was clear that he was a great public speaker. His voice was clear as words fell gracefully out of his mouth. Everyone's attention was on him. Especially the ladies, Zea included. Confidence just radiated off him. He had everyone entranced.

"I would like to end this toast by shooting a warning to my sister's new husband. Continue to make her happy, Ricky-Boy. Cause if you ever hurt her, I will medically castrate you," Lucas said, masking his warning as a joke. His mother swatted his arm playfully as the ballroom erupted into laughter once again. Well, aside from the groom who could only swallow the lump in his throat.

"For the last time, to Vanessa and Rick!"

"To Vanessa and Rick!" Everyone repeated, raising their glass along with Lucas.

"Dig in, everyone!"

"That was lush!" Carrie exclaimed, wiping the corners of her lips with a napkin.

Zea nodded in agreement, that was one of the best foods she's had in a while. Some of their friends went to the dancefloor while the rest stayed on the table to chat. Someone asked if he should expect anyone else's wedding soon, and another decided to debate about politics. Great.

As Zea bit her tongue to stop herself from bitting back at someone's very offensive and very derogatory comment, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Dr Brandons?"

"Dr Holson," Lucas greeted, shooting a charming smile at her and the other guests at the table, "Do you mind if I take you away? I believe you owe me a dance?"

Before she could answer, Zea, glanced at her cousin who was nodding and looking at her, wide-eyed, "Why are you looking at me for?"

"Will you be okay by yourself?"

"Don't worry about me! I have these people to keep me company. You go!"

Zea gave a parting smile to the rest of her friends before standing up and straightening her dress.

Lucas took in a sharp breath. He thought she looked good when he saw her from afar but now, seeing her up close in that dress, it left him speechless. The loose satin hung on to the curve of her slender body perfectly, the slit of the dress allowed him to see a tease of her long legs.

"Are you going to keep staring, Dr Brandons? Or are you going to bring me to the dancefloor?"

Lucas laughed at her directness and offered his hand, which she gladly accepted and led her to the designated dancing area. The song playing was a light and breezy song. Lucas placed his free hand on her upper back and their intertwined one out. Zea put her free hand on his shoulder, and the two started to sway along to the music.

"Do you know how to waltz?"

"Of course I do."

And that's what they did, the repeated the series of steps slowly, eventually matching each other's rhythm. 

"So Dr Brandons, that was a great speech by the way," Zea comments, tilting her head up a little to meet his eyes. Even in heels, she was still slightly shorter than he. Which was not a bad thing at all, considering she was already tall without.

"I think we're well past formalities aren't we, Zea?" He teased, "Just call me, Lucas."

Zea gave a small smile, nodding, "But of course."

"But, yes, I know. My toast was the best. So much better than the mediocre ones before mine."

Zea gave him a tap on his shoulder, "Don't be rude, you egomaniac."

Lucas laughed and shrugged his shoulders, "Hey, it's the truth."

Zea let out a soft laugh and looked over Lucas' shoulder at the other guests dancing.

"So what are you doing here, Lucas? You aren't here slacking off now, are you?"

"Hey! I deserve a break. I've been making sure everything was running smoothly. I have to, or else Vanessa will have my head," He joked.

"She's turned into Bridezilla I'm guessing?" Zea asked, eyebrows raised.

"Oh, 100%! She's been a huge pain in my ass for the past week. You'd think she's the older one from the way she's been bossing me around," he huffed, rolling his eyes. "Still love her though."

"Spin." 

Lucas let go of Zea's back and twirled her out, she smoothly followed his lead and allowed herself to be twirled back in. A content giggle left her lips, and her eyes met his once more.

The song then slowed down, transitioning into a more intimate and romantic song. There was a slight conflict in both their eyes. Should they continue this dance even though they barely knew each other?

"You still up for another dance, love?"

Zea looked down and bit her lower, contemplating.

Lucas cocked his head, "What are you thinking so hard about?"

"People might gossip," she said. And she had a point. Lucas however, never cared what people thought.

"They're too busy to notice, and even if they did, who cares. I only care about getting to know this gorgeous bird with me," he winked.

Zea fought back a smile, "That's such a line."

"Did it work, though?"

Zea snaked her arms around his neck, "I guess it did."

Lucas smirked, a hand on the curve of her waist, the other on her lower back. They both swayed in unison to the music. Both of them got acquainted, asking the other easy, trivial questions. They were comfortable with the small talk, whispering questions and answers into each other's ears, enjoying the company. It was so easy for them to talk and the banter just bounced off each other seamlessly.

"I don't know if you feel this too, Zea, but..." 

"But...?" Zea prompted.

"Listen, maybe if it's just the air tonight or the one too many glasses of champagne, but I can't help but feel an attraction between us," he started. Zea could feel her cheeks heat up. "But I want to know if you feel it too. And hopefully, want to see where this goes?"

Her breath hitched, taken aback by his forwardness. He was confident, no doubt, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't find it attractive. Zea searched his eyes for any sign of ingenuity and found none.

Zea didn't know if it was just her, but their faces were closer now, their breaths mingling. Zea could smell his aftershave mixed with his fresh, crisp cologne. Zea glanced at his lips. If she moved an inch, just an inch, their lips would connect.

"Lucas! There you are! The cake cutting is- Oh!"

The two flinched away from each other. Lucas cleared his throat and attempted to hide his annoyance. He turned his head to face the person who interrupted his moment with Zea.

"Oh, hi Maddie," he greeted the newcomer politely. With his hand still on Zea's waist, he turned his body to face her.

'Maddie' gave Zea a once-over. Her eyes scanned Zea from the down-up. Her eyebrows scrunched slightly as she gave Zea a wary glance.

Lucas flashed a smile at Maddie, "Maddie, this is Zea."

"And Zea, this is Maddie, Vanessa's sidekick."

Zea warmly offered a smile and a hand, "Oh! You're the maid of honour, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too...uh, Zea, was it?" Maddie said, words laced with annoyance.

Zea clenched her jaw, but still giving a polite nod to Maddie.

Without bothering to attempt to continue the conversation, Maddie turned to face Lucas, "Lucas the cake cutting is starting soon. You better be there, or your sister will be fuming."

Rolling his eyes, Lucas mumbled under his breath. He looked at Zea apologetically, "Sorry Zea, duty calls."

"Go," she giggled, "I understand. I'll go and check on my cousin."

"Will I see you before the wedding ends?" he asked hopefully.

"Who knows," she teased, a small smile playing on her lips.

As Zea turned to leave, Lucas reached and grabbed her by the arm,

"Hey, there's a garden outside the ballroom, by the river, meet me there at sundown?"

Zea pursed her lip, feigning contemplation, "Hmm, we'll see."

With a last look over her shoulder, Zea gave him a cheeky wink before walking away. Lucas could only watch as she left, entranced by the graceful swaying of her hips. 

Maddie had been watching their interactions, and she was not entertained, to say the least. She folded her arms, grumbling, "If you're done gawking, could we go to the cake table now before your sister kills the both of us."

Lucas let out a groan, "Fine..."

Cheers and whoops as Vanessa got ready to throw her bouquet back into a crowd consisting of close and single, female family and friends. This was the final part of the official reception, the bouquet toss.

Before this, family and friends were gathered for the bride and groom's cake cutting session, where they also brutally witnessed the groom's face being smooshed into the bottom tier of the cake by his newly-wedded wife. Laughter spread throughout as countless photos and videos were taken to immortalise the event.

A smile was plastered on Lucas' face the whole night. He was enjoying the festivities and was glad that his sister had found someone to handle her nonsense. 

But though he had no problem having small with the guests, his mind was preoccupied, absentmindedly checking his Rolex every few minutes. Not long till sundown now.

"Ready?" His sister's voice called out as she turned her back to the group of ladies. "1, 2, 3!"

The bouquet flew back into an arch falling right in the middle of the crowd. After a few squeals and possibly a mini tug of war, a hand shot up victorious. It was one of Vanessa's friends. The other ladies clapped and cheered politely. The winner sprinted towards her boyfriend, who much to the amusement of the other guests, ran away.

"The two lovebirds will now get going. Off to their honeymoon they go!"

The couple walked towards the exit of the ballroom as everyone followed them with cheers and a few wolf whistles. They gave a wave before stepping into the limo and driving off. 

As the car disappeared from view, the guests started streaming back into the ballrooms, returning to their respective conversations.

Lucas glanced at his watch once more and took a last sip of his chardonnay. He approached two of his fellow groomsmen, "Mates, I'll be heading out for some fresh air. If you need me, send a text."

"Yea, no problem! We'll take care of things here." 

Lucas smiled and gave them a pat on the back, passing his empty glass to a server, before walking out into the outdoor patio of the ballroom. 

From here, he could see the small, elegant garden below him adorned with a variety of flora and beautiful stone sculptures. And just ahead was a brick pathway along the riverside. 

There, Lucas spotted a figure leaning over the railing as the sun began to set. No doubt in his mind that the figure was Zea's. A victorious smile stretched onto his face as gently tugged on his tie, adjusting it before walking down the steps. He walked through the ornate garden, not bothering to stop and smell the roses. 

As he approached her, he could see she was standing a few inches shorter than before. Her feet were bare. Her heels were instead dangling in her fingers by her side. 

"What made you decide to come? Was it my charms?" Lucas asked as he leaned over the railing with her.

Zea scoffed, a hint of a smile etched on her face, "Please, my cousin had to leave, so I just thought to try to catch the sunset."

"Fortunately for you, I'm available to accompany you."

"Fortunately for me?"

"Of course it is, I am highly sought for by other guests. But it's quite alright if you want to be left alone, there are tons of boring old businessmen and doctors who'd love my company. "

A soft laugh left her lips, shaking her head lightly, "You're a cocky one, aren't you?"

Lucas laughed along and combed his fingers through his hair, "I get that a lot. But I'd rather call myself confident. But I'm serious, if you do want to be left alone, I'll leave."

"Stay," Zea smiled, "This doctor would love your company as well."

"Got tired?" he asked, motioning to Zea's heels.

"Oh, yea my feet were aching a little, thought I'd take them off for a bit while waiting on you."

"Ah, so you were waiting for me," Lucas teased, causing Zea to laugh and push him by the shoulder.

"Shut up!"

A comfortable silence surrounded them. The distant caw of birds could be heard as the sun began to hide behind the buildings across the river.

"The sunset is spectacular, isn't it," she breathed, eyes focused on the disappearing sun.

"Oh, really? I've been too busy staring at you to notice."

Zea looked at Lucas, unimpressed and held his gaze for only a moment, before bursting out laughing. Lucas soon joined in, aware of how cheesy his line was.

"You're such a fucking melt!"

As the laughter died down, Lucas turned, leaning his back against the railing. He gazed at the dazzling woman beside him. Her face was tilted up, eyes closed. As if she was trying to absorb every ounce of the fading sun. Her tanned skin glowed as her hair flowed restlessly with the breeze. Though his line was cheesy, he wasn't lying.

She turned to face him once again, her cool blue eyes meeting his. This time, her expression was soft and alluring. 

"What?" Zea asked, eyebrows scrunching slightly, "Do I have something on my face?"

Shaking his head lightly, Lucas leaned towards her, his eyes glancing at her lips for a split second, "Do you gamble Zea?"

What a random question, she thought. "Mmm, not really. Do you?"

"Only when the risk is worth the reward," he mused, he looked into her eyes, searching for some sign. "And tonight, it seems so."

"Does it? Maybe you should take that risk." Her whisper was so soft he almost couldn't hear it over the whistling of the wind. But he did.

Lucas leaned in and kissed her softly. She was tense at first, but his worries melted away as he felt her plump, smooth lips slow dancing with his.

Zea couldn't help but grin against the kiss. It was slow and sweet. Her hands wandered up to his abdomen, resting on his chest. Their lips parted reluctantly, and Zea couldn't help but notice how cold her lips were without his on them.

"So was the reward worth it?" Zea teased, smiling softly.

"Hmm, I don't know. Was it?" His eyes sparkled with mischief as his hand floated to Zea's face, caressing her chin with his thumb, "I'd like to double my winnings if that's okay."

Zea rolled her eyes. Lucas felt something feral stir in him as Zea bit her bottom lip in an attempt to stop the corners of her lips from curving into a smile. He let out a soft groan as he slammed his lips into hers once again.

This time, however, it was different. It wasn't the innocent, cute kiss before. This kiss was better. Hungrier. Zea let out a soft moan as Lucas' tongue entered her mouth, his tongue intertwining hers. Her arms snaked their way around his neck and pulled him closer as she lost herself in the kiss. Kissing him was intoxicating. If her mind weren't preoccupied with unholy thoughts about this fine specimen, she would've wondered how much practice he's had. His hands roamed her body, setting a trail of fire whenever they touched her bare skin. 

Lucas gave one last tug on Zea's bottom lip as they pulled apart. They were both dazed from lack of oxygen, chests rising heavily as they attempted to catch their breath. Silence filled the air, and for a moment, only the sound of the splashing waves could be heard.

The kiss awakened every part of him, and Lucas contemplated what to say, what to do. Every part of him was at odds with him. But with one look at her flushed faces and parted lips, he made up his mind.

"Come back to my hotel room, go all-in with me."

Zea's eyes widened, staring in those warm brown eyes, arms still wrapped around his neck. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of her perfume. "What do ya say, love?"

She swallowed the lump in her throat as she considered his proposition. She had only met him twice, and she was never one to jump into sleeping with people. 

But the way his smooth hands lit her skin alight, how her body reacted to his so naturally. And as he planted a small kiss on the curve of her neck, she succumbed into her lust. 

"I'm all in."

AH filler chapter guys! But I hope you'll forgive me since the next chapter's a lil saucy. Okay, scratch that, not a little, it's very saucy. So please skip if you are uncomfortable with it, and don't worry, you won't miss anything if you do.