Chapter 22 Chapter Twenty Two
Something seemed a bit off today.
I was back at work and I was thankful that the bruise on my cheek had disappeared.
The first thing I noticed was how well dressed everyone was, like there was going to be a party. Next thing was that Mordechai wasn't here and neither was Tif. Not saying it was a problem because it was good for me, but it was truly odd.
As I sat in my office, trying to finish some files, my phone started ringing. I checked the screen and saw that it was Franco.
"Hello," I answered, placing the phone at my ear.
"Hey, how are you?" he asked in a cheery voice.
"I'm fine," I replied, then got up and left the office. I really needed to use the bathroom.
"That's good to hear. I woke up this morning and... I started thinking about you."
I stopped just as I was about to reach for the door handle. I could hear his shallow breathing over the phone. I didn't believe a word he said. Even if he was thinking about me, it would only be my body.
"You don't believe me, do you?" he asked after a few seconds.
"Should I?" I replied bluntly, stepping into the bathroom and closing myself into one of the stalls.
"Give me a sec," I said, before placing the phone on mute and doing my business.
There was something about Franco that didn't sit well with me. I wasn't fully sure but I didn't trust him. I wondered if I had slept with him already, would he still be in contact with me? Most likely not. He didn't seem like the settle down type.
After finishing up, I took the phone off mute and went to wash my hands.
"I'm back," I said, just as I heard him shuffling around, followed by the faint sound of a shower turning on.
"Yes, can I call you later? I'm going to take a shower... or maybe you can still talk to me while I wash my body," he said, chuckling at the end.
"No thanks," I replied quickly before ending the call.
Franco was definitely something else. I was starting to think he might be sex-crazed. Or maybe just sex-deprived? Well, he couldn't be, he'ss rich and can have any woman he wants.
I was done trying to figure him out. All I had to do was see how he acted when I'll have dinner with him on Saturday.
I looked in the mirror for a few seconds before leaving the bathroom.
Mordechai was standing at my office door talking to this well dressed man. He wore a bright coloured suit - too bright for business if you asked me. He had a small beard and his hair was a brown washed out colour that was swaying all over the place.
Mordechai's eyes met mine and I walked up to them. I suddenly got the attention of the man he was talking to. Up close, his face wasn't that bad looking and he had a beauty spot under his bottom lip.
Beauty spots are to die for.
"This is my personal assistant Miss Collins," Mordechai said. The man smiled before reaching out and taking my hand, and surprisingly kissing it.
Such a beauty. I'm Denver O'Mard, nice to meet you," he said, continuing to play with my fingers. Mordechai grew impatient, tapping his fingers against his tie.
"You too, sir," I replied softly. He smiled before releasing my hand.
"Shall we continue?" Mordechai asked, looking at Denver.
Denver glanced at me for a few seconds before turning his attention back to Mordechai.
I felt as if someone was watching me and glanced to the side. Tiffany stood there, arms crossed, glaring at me as if she wanted to say something, but she stayed silent.
She better.
It was a few minutes past lunchtime, so I left and went up to the second floor to meet with the girls, Deidra, Brenda, and Carmen. Brenda was married with two kids, and Carmen had confessed that she was a thirty-two-year-old cougar.
But did I judge her? No. I wasn't in any position to judge anyone. Even if I were, I wouldn't, because we love who we love.
"Where's Deidra?" I asked when I only saw Brenda and Carmen getting their bags ready.
"She's not here today, said she had an emergency. I hope she's doing alright," Carmen replied. I sighed. I really hoped it wasn't anything too serious.
"Yeah me too. Let's go," Carmen said as we left to go to the elevator.
"By the way, why was everyone so well dressed today? All the workers on the bottom floor seemed as if they're in a fashion contest," I said as the elevator door closed.
"Didn't you hear? I thought the boss would've told you since you're his personal assistant. As a matter of fact, we thought you knew before any of us."
I watched in confusion as Brenda spoke. My mind was in a different state entirely. It seemed like everyone knew something that I didn't, something I should've known first.
But Mordechai being Mordechai, he wouldn't have told me anyway.
"The boss and Mr. O'Mard has decided to construct a new company together," Carmen said, glancing at me.
That was good. At least there will be more opportunities for jobless people and so on. If they allowed it. I don't think I'll be in the city by then.
The elevator came to a stop, and we walked out. I was about to leave the building when Denver called me back. I groaned because Mordechai was standing beside him.
"Miss Collins, I talked to a few other assistants, and they said you work very efficiently. I need a small favour from you. You'll be rewarded, don't worry. So, can you help me out?" he said, a broad smile spreading across his lips.
"With what exactly, sir?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.
Mordechai looked very pissed, but he didn't say a word, which I found shocking. He would always try to intervene and make his presence known.
"I need you to type and print a stack of documents for me. I already have the files you'll be working from. All you need to do is read through each document and type a letter impeccable enough to strike a business deal or secure an interview. You'll be working at my mansion, and I have the most comfortable office prepared for you so you can work efficiently. These letters need to be done within a week, and I have to make sure they're issued before the deadline. Oh, and keep in mind that these are for VIPs."
After he finished, I didn't know what to say. I was honestly lost for words. I was about to open my mouth to try and form something when Mordechai spoke.
"Are you trying to take my assistant?" he said in a harsh tone, though it came off as playful to Denver. He only laughed and patted Mordechai on the back.
"I'm just borrowing her for a week, or maybe even longer. She seems like someone who can get the job done on time. I'm sure you can find someone to take her place for a few days. You're a businessman, you should know how to improvise," Denver replied before walking off to talk to a few other men I hadn't noticed before.
"Seems like you've caught the interest of Denver. I wonder how come?" Mordechai said as I turned and looked at him. His eyes challenged mine, but I held my stance.
"You know, I was thinking of not taking his offer and not helping him out but then I thought, I definitely should. It's a good way to be away from you and your arrogant self. Don't worry, Tiffany can run your errands for you and sort your files, after all, she's your favourite," I spat at him, not caring how harsh I sounded.
He looked like he wanted to put me six feet under with that glare, but that was never going to happen.
Before I could turn away, he grabbed my hand and started pulling me. A few people nearby glanced in our direction as I tried to free myself.
He didn't stop until he dragged me into an unoccupied office, then shut the door and locked it.
"I just can't fucking stand you!"
I flinched from his sudden outburst. I stepped back until I was behind the small desk. The light in the room was low but I could definitely see him. I crossed my arms, turning my attention away from him.
"Look at me when am talking to you!"
I didn't.
My body trembled, and before I knew it, he was towering over me. He leaned in until my back was pressed flat against the desk, his full weight bearing down on me.
My heart raced as I tried to think of what to do next. I wanted to move, but fear held me still. His face was only inches from mine, and the only sound filling the room was his shallow breathing.
I saw everything in his eyes. The hate. The disgust. The intolerance. The coldness. Everything.
"Fuck! Why do you always challenge me? I hate it!" he shouted not once taking his eyes off me.
I remained quiet as I tried to control my breathing. I didn't meet his eyes. I stared at the ceiling as my brain went into a trance.
I couldn't think straight. He still refused to remove himself from my body and my back had started to hurt from the hardness of the desk.
"You make me feel so confused sometimes."
When he said that my eyes instantly met his. His breathing has calmed down and I felt him shuffling. I laid there as he pulled away from me. He was about to say something more but he didn't.
He straightened his tie and walked out.
What the hell just happened?