Chapter Eleven:
(Edited by: Lightinside. Thank you :D)
Arran's POV:
My hands froze when she said those words. It made my heart skip a beat, I chose to ignore the distress inside me and presumed she talks in her sleep. Another weird habit.
I have to admit I was little relieved to see her in the club. Even after few shots I was still perfectly in my senses. Like usual, I was having fun with another girl, thinking of taking her somewhere tonight and that's when I saw her coming. Not believing what I saw, I questioned her, only to be replied to crudely. Yes, it was indeed Emberly Rae.
It was fun teasing her, watching her mutter something under her breath every five seconds. When I asked her for a dance I have to admit I wasn't planning to actually dance with her, but I had a strong urge to hold her, to be closer to her. As strange as it sounds I wanted her.
I can still remember the sound of her hitched breath when I touched the curve of her hips and how right it felt to have her in my arms.
And then the almost kiss. What surprised me was the fieriness in her eyes when I leaned in. Her grip on my shoulder felt so right. I wanted her so badly.
Fuck, this girl is driving me crazy.
And when she snapped out of her trance, I was beyond annoyed. It astonished me that she could make me feel this way. She never fails to impress me. I slammed few shots trying to clear my mind from her. I was feeling a little light head but I was aware of her actions.
Outside the club when she wrapped her arm around my waist, I knew that this girl was clearly doing something to me.
Although, I have to admit I wasn't actually planning to annoy her. It comes naturally in me. It was fun watching her figure out the address. They way she would grit her teeth together in frustration till her knuckles were turning white.
But her pleading again stopped me. Why can't I really see her getting crushed? Maybe the reason was that I tried it once and seeing what it did to her made me miserable. I thought about Friday night and never regretted anything as badly than what I did to her. Her tear stained face was still in my mind and I doubt if I will ever get rid of that image.
Watching her helpless on the road when she refused to come inside, I realised how vulnerable I made her. I decided that from now on I would not punish her for anyone's mistakes. She was too fragile to be in the middle of what was going on around me. It was not fair to bring her in this cruel world of mine.
However, I was surprised by how frustrated she could make me. When she refused to get inside the car I almost lost my temper. She knew she was lost and there is no way she would get home tonight without anyone harassing her and yet still she chose to be stubborn. Her stubbornness matched mine's. I must have had a lot of self-control to not wring her neck with my own hands. That night I concluded, no matter how much I would plead she would never get inside the car.
And when she asked me if it is really that hard to apologise. I knew for a fact it is. I tried to make myself apologise but I couldn't. For me apologising meant showing your weakness, showing emotions and I buried my emotions years ago and I ought to never show it to another girl. But she was bringing the emotions out of me I was alienated with.
I called Luke and asked him to help me out of this situation and being the friend he is, he agreed immediately. I couldn't stay still till the moment he told me she is home safely.
The next day I avoided her sending any work related stuff. I knew for a fact how much she hated my guts and I wouldn't be surprised if she is secretly praying for my death. However, something inside was telling me to call her but then I remembered that I broke her phone.
Feeling even guiltier I ordered a new phone for her and decided to give her on Monday. Knowing she can't quit made me satisfied in a way.
All those years I went clubbing to get over her, but last night for the first time I went to get rid of the guilt caused by what I did to Emberly. The weight of the guilt was suffocating me.
I realised no one deserves to be treated the way I was treating her. So what if she got the job through my father? I also once was forced to join it. God knows what circumstances forced her to work for me. She clearly doesn't enjoy it and I doubt if she is doing for experience's sake.
She has that spark in her eyes like I had 5 years ago. She reminds me a lot of my past. I was about to crush her like someone crushed me many years ago. I didn't think she will manage to rise up again like I did. I mentally made a note to apologise to her tomorrow morning.
Tugging the blanket softly I caress few strands of hair off her face. She looks so peaceful and innocent. I never realised before how beautiful she really is. If only she knew about it and did something about it. But then again I don't want her to change for anyone. Without any effort she manages to have unwanted attention on her, I wonder what it would be like if she is obvious about her beauty. I lay on my bed and covered myself in a soft duvet. I slowly drifted to sleep.
Next morning I got up at my usual time, got showered and cleaned up before dressing myself in my casuals. The staff had weekends off so I made my way to kitchen in order to eat something. She was still sleeping so I decided to let her sleep more. After all we did come home early morning.
I was in kitchen making omelette for myself when I heard a loud thud. I chuckled knowing it has to be her. I am not joking when I call her clumsy. She manages to fall even standing up perfectly still.
"In the kitchen, downstairs." I said loudly, letting her know where I am.
It took her five minutes to find the kitchen and by that time I was making coffee for myself. I took a long look at her appearance and I busied myself so I wouldn't get caught staring at her. Her dress was riled up to her thighs offering me a view I could enjoy all the day. Her hair was open and all messed up giving her a sexy morning look. How strange is it for her to be in my place looking like she has just been fucked up without us even doing it. The icy blue eyes of her were staring at me in a shock.
"Morning." I greeted her softly.
She gently smiled at me first, and then her smile turned into a scowl as if she remembered what I did to her and she glared at me deathly. Her face was set in a frown as she looked around for an exit I suppose. I knew I quickly had to do something otherwise she will never forgive me and the guilt will eat me alive.
"Let me explain... please?"
Her face was deadpanned but she made no effort to move. Taking that as my opportunity I continued.
"Look I'm... sorry. I really am." I quickly said slowly and she stilled for a moment. Her eyes widened in surprise. There I said it.
"For what?" she spoke slowly after recovering from the shock. Is she really going to make me say it? Was apologising not enough for her? I was about to tell shout but then I remembered I am the one who needs her clemency.
"For acting completely uncivilised the other day. I shouldn't have said all that. I hope you accept my apology." I explained, hoping she would accept my apology.
To my surprise she smiled. She is definitely weird.
"I hope you accept my apology." She imitated me in a deep voice. "God, you are so formal."
I took this as a positive sign. I mean I've heard people talking about how a regular conversation is a sign of forgiveness.
"So are we okay?" I questioned her. I doubt it though.
"I am not the one to hold grudges and since you apologise even though you looked like you were going to die so yes we are and Mr Arran Raymond, and I sincerely accept your apology." Her smile was a genuine one.
"So easily?" I asked her suspiciously. Her forgiving me so easily wasn't going very well with me.
"Yeah I mean how many times have you admitted you were wrong?" She questioned me.
"Not a lot." I stated truthfully.
"That's why, I know how hard it is to apologise for your own mistakes. Especially for you." She teased me.
I smiled wholeheartedly at her before remembering I had to give her something.
"Wait, I got you something."
I am sure she will like this. I went across the hall to get a small box for her. She bit her lip in anticipation and took the brand new iPhone I got for her.
"It's new?" She asked me, gently touching the iPhone.
"Yeah." I replied excitedly.
"Brand new?" She asked me again.
"Yeah why?" I was getting confused now. Why won't she just accept?
"It must've cost you a lot." She looked up to meet my gaze.
I had to stop myself passing a sarcastic comment.
"It's not a big deal." I shrugged my shoulders, which is true it didn't cost me anything. I could buy 10 more and still not care about it.
"Really?" Her eyes widened in thrill.
"Yeah." I was getting frustrated by now. See how it easy was for her to irk me.
"So you don't mind me doing this?"
Before I could reply to her she threw the phone on the nearby wall causing it to break in many parts. I was a bit stunned whilst she had a satisfied look on her face.
"It does feel good." She said calmly and sat on the wooden stool.
"Seriously? Is this your way of getting back at me?" I asked her, not approving, but still slightly amused.
"Yeah." She beamed.
"What happened to 'I accept your apology?" I questioned her.
"That... was for what you did to me on Friday and this..." She pointed at the mess she made. "Was getting even on what you did to my phone. I never said I was easy. I can buy myself a phone. Plus I want you to feel a little guilty." She said smugly.
"Feisty as ever Miss Rae." I was amused by her antics. "Anyway moving on, would you like to freshen yourself up first or have breakfast?"
She gasped at my civil behaviour. I was having fun on my own, been myself around her not the boss she hates.
"Freshen up please." She replied politely.
"You know where my room is right? The bathroom is across the room. It's the guest room one. If you open the cabinet you will find a fresh towel and a disposable toothbrush." I gave her instruction and she nodded too eagerly. One day I fear she will snap that neck of hers.
I never allowed anyone in my house except my few close friends. Business related work was kept outside my house. Even when I hang out with my friends I normally used the guesthouse. I should be feeling awkward having my assistant at my place without actually sleeping with her but truthfully I wasn't. She didn't seem uncomfortable then why should I be in my own house. I look over the door; she is taking longer than I thought. When she returned she had dreamy look on her face. She kept opening and closing her mouth.
"Your house is... amazing." She managed to say it aloud.
"Wait till you see the pool." I told her, suppressing a grin forming in my face.
As I thought she looked shocked.
"You have a pool?" She questioned me disbelievingly.
I laughed loud on that. She turned a deep red and looked down, embarrassed.
"I will show you afterwards. First have breakfast. I made omelettes, would you like to eat some?" I asked her and she shook her head.
"Vegetarian?" I questioned her.
"No, actually, my throat is still hurting. I wont be able to eat." She looked everywhere but my side.
Shit. Those chillies. I didn't know what else to offer.
"Why don't you help yourself?"
She opened the refrigerator and examines the food inside. After a minute she took out a tub of chocolate ice cream with coke.
Weird combination. As we both sat down on the table eating our breakfast I wonder what made her work for me so I asked her.
"So what made you work for me?"
The spoon in her hand stopped midway as her face pales. She swallowed quickly.
"I had no choice." She mumbled warily.
"What is that suppose to mean?" I furrowed my eyebrows together.
If I want to work with her in a sophisticated way then I need to know the reason. I need to get over the judgement I had on her.
"I needed a job urgently, for some personal reasons, and your father happens to provide that with some conditions."
I knew it. My father always knew how to manipulate people. He knows how to play this game very well. He will wait till his opponent to get weak then he will forward his conditions. Either way the opponent won't back out.
"What were his conditions?"
"To work as your assistant."
But I don't understand. I never understood him. Why would he hire an inexperienced young assistant for me? He could have hired someone with more experience, older, then why her though? He still holds that authority over me, over the company then why her? What will he gain by hiring her? She needed money, he could've just given to her, but asking her to work for me does not make any sense.
"Then why were you in the club? And why did you say you had to get me back home." I asked her, my scalp pricking with an annoying headache.
"You see your father told me to be at your service twenty-four hours, any place, anywhere."
My father told her to do what? I was beyond confused by now. However, this sounds so wrong. I smirked knowing what I am about to say will make her a shade even more redder.
"Service? Its sounds so..." I winked at her suggestively.
"What he meant was to keep an eye on you. I don't know why he chose me but he did." She replied quickly seeming as confused as I was.
This isn't making any sense at all. My father has a motive and I am sure about that but what will he ever gain hiring her as my assistant and asking her to be with me all the time? He was surely making her work worth the money he must have lent her.
"But why? I am perfectly capable of looking after myself." I spoke to her in a harsh tone. He thinks he can control my life all over again? She just flinched in response. I sighed deeply.
"Uhm can I use your laptop for a minute." She fiddles with her fingers as she asked me.
I was confused for a second but nevertheless I handed her my MacBook. She typed something in and showed me the website. It was my picture, from last week when I had a car crash after a night of heavy drinking. Safe to say I wasn't the one driving yet it is not something to be proud of.
"Because of this. You are capable of looking after yourself but not when you are drunk. My contract states I have to make sure to avoid any circumstance, which can damage your reputation."
It all makes sense now. He knows if he chose someone else that person will quit in a week knowing my bad temper but with her, she is stuck. She doesn't have anything to say. She is stuck with me. She doesn't enjoy working but she has no choice and knowing my father very well I know he must have told her that if she wants to quit she has to pay a hefty amount. As much as I hate her been linked into my life so soon but I can't bring myself to hate her. I know it's not her fault.
"So you were forced to work for me?" I asked her softly, barely recognising my own voice.
"I guess." She pursed her lips.
"How much did you need it?"
"What?" Her eyes narrowed in confusion.
"The money?" I said running a hand through my hair.
"Bad enough to work for you even after you scared the hell out of me." She smiled but not quite reaching her eyes.
"Do I scare you Emberly?" I asked her, momentarily stunned. I know I can be intimidating sometimes.
"A bit."
I can't do this. I can't take advantage of her weakness.
"Do you want the money? You don't have to work for me. I can help you." I offered her.
She looked surprised for a minute but then resumed eating the ice-cream.
"Thank you but no thank you. I rather pay back myself. I don't need any more favours."
Jesus, she is so stubborn.
"I mean it Emberly. You don't have to pay me back immediately. Take your time." I tried once more.
"Am I that bad? I do try my best." Her voice was so low, almost a whisper.
I sighed deeply, feeling pity for her.
"No. You are a very fast learner but are you sure you will be able to handle all the pressure? Just because I am nice to you now will not mean I will be at the office too." I stated honestly.
"Thank you but I will survive. I will note that down." She beamed this time and I had to join her on that.
Pride and stubbornness are her dangerous qualities.
"So how are we going to make this work?"
If someone else heard our conversation would have mistaken us as a couple. But we were just workers. All I am ever going to be is her boss and hopefully she will only be my assistant. Nothing more.
"I don't know. You are perfectly fine when you are working but when you are not..." She hesitated.
"That's when I fuck up. Right?" I chuckled.
"Yeah."
"But I still want to have my fun and I wont let a little girl ruin it." I half meant it and half said it to tease her.
"I am not a little girl, I am twenty-one." She said hardheartedly.
Feisty as ever.
"Still very young." I said on purpose knowing this will irritate her more.
"How about I will let you carry on with your.... stuff but I will try to stop you for getting yourself involved in another scandal." I wanted to laugh at her. Stuff? Who says that anymore?
"How so? I am not changing my preference for you Miss Emberly." I smirked watching her clenched fists.
"I hope not, anyways I need to know what you do and where you are. As sad as it sounds, I will make sure you wont involve your self in another controversy."
"Please elaborate."
"I don't know how, but I will think about it." She waved her hands in air and sighed frustrated.
"So it's a deal Miss Rae, as long as I wont have a particular young girl interfering my life." I smirked and forward my hand.
She glared at me and shook my hand with her small one.
She finally chuckled and announced confidently "Deal."
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