Chapter 12 Chapter 12
Alina's POV
Following the entrance for staff, I went in.
"Your coat?" The security stopped me, wanting me to unveil even before properly stepping a foot in. I knew this would happen though.
It was the rules.
I'd only gotten off last time cause somehow they were informed to expect me, plus I didn't exactly make it hard to spot with the white dress I had on.
So this time, with no questions i pulled off my trench coat. Revealing the sleek black bodysuit practically glued to my skin, a deep V plunging down on the chest. Holding my girls steady but enough to tease and show off their fullness.
Mesh cutouts at the waist, lace garter tights all the way up. Clinging to my thighs for survival, and finally gold heels to match. Alongside the gold O₂ insignia chain on my collar. Signifying I was Oxygen property and not a client.
"Good enough?" I asked, staring at the security. Who only managed a shrug before parting the way for me. His actions almost emitting a scoff from me. I mean, wasn't I as good as I'd thought? A little oggle would be nice. But then again, would I appreciate that?
I was half naked for heaven's sake. Showing a very inappropriate amount of skin, and frankly if it weren't for the buzzing annoyance at that one bastard I came looking for tonight, I wouldn't have had the guts to pull this off at all.
Not that Cleo would agree.
"It's now or never," I muttered, walking past the security and heading for the main door. "Act normal. Everyone's naked too."
Just act normal.
I stepped in, closing the main door behind and welcoming the buzzing orbit that was Oxygen itself. Heat. Perfume. Sweat. Laughter.
Bodies—dancing, teasing, lounging. All with the sound system breathing bass into the air instead of music. Everywhere shone red, the lights. Letting me know I was at the private suites section.
The staff main door led here, making the bar an even easier access from this angle and that was where I was headed. Information would be more accessible from there.
But as I moved, the striking realization that I was now corresponding with the overall aesthetics around me heightened up my nerves. If I didn't feel self conscious before then I most definitely did now.
The AC in the air was harsh against my naked thighs, permanently inserting that I was no longer in the safety of my coat, since the security took it. I could either brace myself and get used to it, or turn back around without getting that bastard to check my work.
I chose the latter. So get your shit together and blend in, Alina!
"Even if you're dressed like some expensive felony," I muttered, walking past two men actively trying to get into each other's pants while a woman dressed expensively to kill stood by them.
Heads turned as I walked. Eyes following me, some attempting to approach but spotting the gold insignia on my collar and remaining at their spot.
Staffs were off limits. I knew that to be true now.
I walked past all the private suites and down the entire hallway until I spotted the one that led to the second bar area. Just the place I was looking for. I went in quickly, anxious now.
Not before walking past two grown men practically devouring each other though. But I didn’t blink. They weren't why I was here, besides far worse was going on in different corners of this building.
Just as I neared the bar, the bartender nowhere to be seen-
“Angel?”
A voice called behind me. Freezing my steps even if I didn't do anything. "Angel."
Mark. The bartender. He turned around to face me then, a wicked grin playing on his lips.
“Would you look at you,” he said, slow. “Who dressed you up like this? You’re no angel anymore.”
“Work,” I said breathlessly, easing my nerves as we reached the counter. His grin following me.
"What kind of work?" He asked, "You're not supposed to be here on weekends. Or... are you here for some fun and a little adventure?" He winked.
Adventure?
I'll come to have an adventure when I haven't even started the job I was hired for? That hardly sounded responsible.
“Mark, it's just work trust me." I tried to assure, looking around for a bit. The glass wall upstairs that I'd seen him the last time. But he wasn't there. "Have you seen the boss?”
"THE boss?" Mark repeated, grin deepening. A suggestive look on his eyes. "Oh. You and him, huh?"
"What?"
He only grinned some more, "Don't worry, he’s here.”
Here?
“Seriously? Where?” I asked quickly, curious.
“Upstairs.”
“Alone?”
He smirked, "Unfortunately, no Angel.”
"Who's he with then? Someone important?" I pressed, like I couldn't read between his insinuations.
“No one important as far as I know. It's just Jordan, but even he is with someone. He’ll see you,” Mark winked, pouring out his mix.
I rolled my eyes, "He won't. He hates my guts, will probably have me thrown out if I interrupted him."
“Angel, trust me." Mark chuckled, "In that outfit? That ass all the way out? He’ll see nothing else.”
Wait...ass all the way out? I made sure to pick a bodysuit that at least had my ass in it. Not outside it or spilling from the sides like smashed potatoes.
I was a bit on the big side from my waist down. Not proud of it, but Cleo thinks it's sexy. But I'll choose going to get groceries in shorts without having men stare and whistle at my ass.
"Thank you, Mark." I sighed, appreciating his information. It was better than nothing, now I just needed to head up to that office. And if he wasn't there, I'd just sleep in there tonight then.
He had to return at some point, right?
Crazy, I know. But he started it.
I turned to head for the nearest elevator, "Hey, need a drink first?" Mark called me. Raising a glass.
I looked at it, wanting to say no but I needed as much drink in my system as possible if I was to be facing the same man that reviewed my first draft and trashed it. "Thank you."
I drowned the glass in one swing, releasing a harsh breath and heading out. Mark saying something dirty as I went. Found an elevator, got on it and pressed for his private hallway. Memories and feelings of everything just coming back to me. Most likely due to the drink, but it was good. This way I got to steam before facing the main fire.
The elevator opened up in no time and I stormed out. My gold heels clicking against the dark marble floors, so loud that anyone would hear me coming despite the music.
The extra security in the area didn’t even stop me. Neither did the one that turned me away for three days straight. Guess he really was in this time.
I neared his door, slowing down my pace. Especially as I heard voices. A woman’s voice.
Laughing.
With him.
Oh so, he had the time to laugh while putting my entire life and career on a balance with his stupid games?!
My hand found the door knob immediately, twisting and viola!
It opened.
I flung it hard just then, making sure it hit the wall behind like I'd done in Joe's office for his stupid project.
The laughter cut immediately. Silence in the air as I stepped in, glaring. My eyes instantly finding his. The lady in the office, a brunette and even Jordan at the far end in the office.
Everyone surprised to see me. But none as stunned as the bastard though.
Roman.
He sat unmoving on his seat, green eyes fixed on me with interest. My body. Dragging from top to bottom and then from bottom back to the top.
Identifying his purchase at the shopping mall no doubt. But still, it made me feel uncomfortable. Visible.
Naked.
I didn't like his eyes on me. Not that way.
Luckily, his brunette broke the air.
“Um—is she— is she here to see you?” she asked, looking painfully confused and unsettled. Like me barging in here wasn't enough to tell her I had a bone to pick with her soon to be fuck buddy.
Way to make it obvious you're going to be in his bed tonight, lady.
I ignored her completely.
“Good evening, sir,” I said, head high. “Sorry to interrupt your 'meeting' but I'll like to speak with you."
He didn't respond, just kept his eyes on me. Gaze unreadable. I looked to Jordan who had stepped forward, leaving the edge of the wall.
“Who let you in?” he finally asked. Roman. His voice low. Dangerous.
“I let myself in,” I said, “The door was open, I needed to speak with you, so I came in. Simple."
The brunette blinked, surprised at my tone. “Errm, should I… go?”
“Yes”
"No."
We said at the same time. His eyebrow arching with amusement. "Yes? I didn't ask you to speak for me, Miss Monroe."
"Well I think I can," I stepped forward, "Especially when you don't seem to know your priorities or schedules. You see I've said we need to talk, and you don't want your little guest to leave. Why? Don't worry, you'll still get to smash her ass after I leave."
The brunette gasped. His amusement grew.
"What is this new attitude? Towards your superior, your boss, no less."
I narrowed my eyes. Annoying bastard.
"Please leave," I said to the brunette. "I need to talk to him."
She turned to him, "Leave," he said, not paying her a glance. "Jordan you too."
Everyone, good.
The brunette looked pretty offended by his lack of glance in her direction, but stood up anyway. Giving me a glare as she left. Jordan a stare as he did too, shutting the door.
But I went extra and locked it. Hearing the lock click in the air. An amused chuckle leaving his lips, "I didn't know you were so eager to be alone with me, Miss Monroe. Should've told me sooner."
"Told you sooner?" I scoffed, "Maybe I would if you were in your office, don't you think?"
"You came to see me? Dressed like this? I doubt I'd forget that"
"Of course you wouldn't. Seeing as you 'delivered' the clothes."
He stared at me, laughing silently. My glare pinned on him. "What do you want? Why are you in my office right now? Locking my door and dressed like that?"
“Because we need to talk and you’re not going anywhere until we do.” I said firmly, then stepped closer. No fear, no hesitation, nothing left but the anger, exhaustion of the three
days’ worth of humiliation, the project signing and then presentation. All of it boiling in my chest and simmering through my skin.
“Roman Ward,” I started, “You have a problem with me, don't you? A personal problem, and you're using that to try and make my work miserable. Let's start with that, shall we? What is your problem with me, Roman?"