Chapter 15 CORNERED
“I piqued your curiosity, didn't I?” He smiled broadly, approaching and placing his hands on the sides of the armchair, trapping me. I lifted my chin, maintaining our gaze. “The brothers never got along; I blame the upbringing... Elijah was diagnosed with schizophrenia, just like his mother. To make matters worse, a mass is growing in his brain. Despite the grim situation, he remains lucid in his decision-making at Forbs News Times. However, Celdric doesn't want to wait for his brother to go mad and has been fighting for power!”
“But Mr. Morgan, wouldn't it be more coherent to let someone lucid lead the publishing house?” I swallowed hard as Patrik brought his lips close to mine.
“Indeed it would. However, Celdric seems like a lucid man, but his ambition will ruin the industry in less than a year. That's why Mr. Forbs has been fighting against his brother and battling the disease!” Brushing his lips against mine, Patrik teased; his skin was very warm.
“Do you feel okay?” I whispered, caught at the moment.
“Better now!” He smiled, provocatively biting my lower lip.
I moved back, placing my hands on his chest and steadying myself.
“Mr. Morgan, these... " I bit my lip, searching for words. “Your actions are inappropriate and completely against the company's protocol. Please, I insist that you stop with your...”
“My provocations?” Patrik moved further forward, pushing my leg to create space where he rested his knee, pressing me even harder against the leather armchair. “Do you feel provoked?”
“I…” I swallowed hard. “That's not what I meant, sir. Your behavior has been inappropriate!”
“Is that so, Mrs. Elisabeth?” Smirking, Patrik reached my ear, whispering. “Your body's reactions tell me that you're not so bothered by my behavior. I'd say you're fearing for more.”
Biting the tip of my ear, the CEO moved down to my neck, where he ran the tip of his tongue and inhaled my perfume. Laughing, he shook his head negatively and stepped back. I stood still, stunned in place!
“Mrs. Elisabeth, let's start reviewing the contract. We'll close with Mr. Elijah Forbs on my terms before Celdric, the leech, takes over the industry.” Finally, the CEO spoke, returning to his desk and ignoring what he had just done.
It took me some time to compose myself, feeling my face warm. How could he act so seductively and then so formally? It deeply irritated me.
“When you're ready, Mrs. Lis,” he teased, making me huff softly.
I composed myself, opening the computer and sitting in front of him. I read clause by clause, adding directional suggestions based on the story I had just discovered. It wouldn't take long for Mr. Forbs's brothers to feel entitled to dictate to our company if we closed the partnership. It was also imperative to protect our writers from possible commercial conflicts or persuasions to abandon us. Hours passed since we started the negotiations; my eyes were heavy, and I accidentally yawned, quickly covering my mouth, embarrassed.
“I've tired you out, haven't I?” He smiled lazily, loosening his tie and leaning back more
relaxed in the armchair.
“I can continue, Mr. Morgan; there is still much to be done,” I said quickly, afraid of being reprimanded.
“I'm tired, too; it's late. We need to have dinner. I asked the cook to make a stew; on a cold night, it would be good to warm us up. I hope you like it!” Patrik said, getting up.
“Mr. Morgan, I don't intend to go home with you,” I replied firmly, gripping the sides of the computer. “I'm not comfortable with your sudden change towards me. In fact, I wouldn't work for you if I knew you would act like this.”
“Do you prefer the rude way I used to treat you?” The CEO approached provocatively, closing the laptop on my lap. “Are you one of those who prefer rough men?”
“No, of course not...” I shook my head, embarrassed, and sighed. “I prefer to be treated professionally and politely.”
“That won't be possible.” He shrugged, pulling me by the wrist and tucking the notebook under his arm, dragging me out of the room.
“What do you mean it won't be possible?” I pulled my arm, making him stop.
“Mrs. Elisabeth, my patience is short this afternoon...Let me exemplify for you.” Patrik approached, predatory; his eyes were dark, charged with an almost palpable audacity. “I've made you my apprentice. This means I'll treat you as I see fit. You will go home with me whenever I order, read your books, and apply the techniques I've been teaching you so diligently to improve your writing. You will dedicate your time to me as much and when I want.”
“You must be out of your mind; you don't have this power or over me!” I shouted, and my voice echoed on the empty floor.
“You know I do, or you would have already disappeared. Don't force me to use my power; we're having fun. Be reasonable!” He finally spoke, hands in his pockets, relaxed.
“Be reasonable? You're the one not being. You can't control my life like this; I'm an adult, educated, and in charge of my own decisions.” I felt my chest rise and fall with heavy breaths from the nervousness. “You can't ruin my career on a whim.”
“I won't ruin it if you're a good apprentice and stop your tantrums so late at night.”Patrik approached, reaching out his hand towards me. “Now that we understand each other, shall we?”
“What? No, I don't agree with any of this. You can't just decide.” I was interrupted by him, who lifted me off the ground, throwing me over his shoulders as if I weighed nothing. “What are you doing? Put me down, you crazy man; I'll call the police!”
I began to scream hysterically, shocked by what he was doing. I felt a stinging sensation on my butt when I realized the CEO had slapped me.
“If you keep screaming, you'll get more slaps!” Patrik spoke firmly, looking at me over his broad shoulders. “And stop screaming; you're giving me a headache.”
“Put me down!” I clenched my fists, hitting his back, which seemed to have no effect on him. “Please...”
I relented when I saw the elevator arrive, fearing that the security guards would see us in such an embarrassing situation.
“Are you going to behave?” He arched an eyebrow, asking firmly.
“Yes, sir.” I crossed my arms, rolling my eyes impatiently.
“Good apprentice, if you pull a stunt like that again, you'll regret it.” Smiling, Patrik set me down in the elevator and held my wrist, putting it together with his hand in his pants pocket.
I stared at the movement.
“Your hands are cold; you'll end up catching a cold!” Seeing that I was staring at my hand in his pocket, he replied harshly, “This bulge isn't my hand!”
Patrik teased, and I quickly pulled my wrist away, making him laugh amused. As soon as I exited the elevator, I thought about running, but Greg was standing ahead, as if ready to restrain me.