Chapter Seventeen:
(Edited by: Sara_Lovee1D. Thank you so much :D)
Emberly's POV:
To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I was beyond that level. I can't believe I apologised with all my heart and he just walked out on me. Like seriously? Who does that? He is so frustrating that he makes me want to rip my hair out. It amazes me how easily he can switch his moods. Here I thought if I apologise, we'd be fine. I seriously need to stop thinking like this. This guy has major issues!
I also knew the fact that he isn't going to come back so I decided to retire for the day, thank goodness for the weekends. A normal person of my age would go out on Friday nights, have a couple of drinks with their friends and chat about how much they hate a specific bitch or a bastard, but for me, I have to keep an eye on my boss to keep him away from trouble.
Yay life.
As I got home, I couldn't help but sigh in delight. It was indeed another stressful week. I changed into my pyjamas and settled down to watch 'Tangled'. Hey, don't judge me, that movie is awesome. I called my dad in between, who as I suspected, was shocked on the sudden treatment given to my mom. My dad knew that I work for Arran but he isn't aware of the contract. I wasn't planning on telling him either. I just don't want him to live under the guilt that I am working so my mom can have a better treatment. He did what he could do and now it's my turn.
I was sniffing when Rapunzel met her mother at the end when my phone vibrated.
Alert: Arran, Club, RUNNN!!!
Shit, I forgot again. No wonder I even typed 'run' in capital letters. Thankfully, I set the alarm half an hour before the event. I had plenty of time to get my butt of the sofa, and get ready to babysit him for the night. Talk about a fun life! - Note the sarcasm.
Hastily, I only managed to find a silver short dress. I quickly slipped it on. The dress stopped an inch before my knees and it had a thin black ribbon around the waist. I slid on black ankle boots, which made my legs look even longer and exposed. I left my hair open in soft curls and wore a black blazer to complete the look. Cherry would be so proud of me.
I grabbed my keys and closed all the windows and doors. Recently there was a burglary around our area and extra precautions wouldn't hurt anyone. I grabbed a matching clutch and put my essentials inside such as keys, money, phone, a small mirror, lip-gloss, mints and a foil of condom. My mom made sure I never leave the house without one; last thing she wants is her only twenty-one year old daughter getting knocked up. Not that I was planning but again precaution.
Luckily I knew where he was going to be tonight so when I got in the car and drove to that place. As I parked my car on the side, I was awestruck by the glitz and glamour of the club. I could see paparazzi flashing their cameras at people going in. That's how Arran manages to appear on the headlines. They will snap him leaving with a new girl every week. I almost felt sorry for him for having no privacy whatsoever. But then again I don't think he really minds. The bouncers had their arms spread around the door protectively not letting the screaming girls in.
Great, another A-list club. I slumped my shoulders in defeat. This time I couldn't see anyone I knew, so sadly, I had to wait in the never moving or ending queue. I kept shifting from one foot to another. Maybe I should call him. But a part of me didn't really want to call him after what he did to me today.
However, I knew it's my responsibility to look after him and what if he is drunk? Of course he would be, that's why people come here. I scolded my self for thinking so foolishly.
Okay, but what if he is having a fight? Or worse what if someone has drugged him and kidnapped him? Mr Raymond will kill me for not keeping an eye on his son. I think I will just call him or else I will have a mental breakdown in front of everyone.
After a few rings, I was forwarded to his voicemail. You know what I hate with a passion? When I call someone and they don't flipping pick up. I tried once more but my call was forward to his voicemail... AGAIN!
"Hey babe... wanna come to my place after this?" I heard someone slurring behind me.
I turned around only to be shocked to find a man in his late thirties snickering at me. Jesus... seriously? Out of all the hot guys, you gave me him? I chose to ignore him and continued with trying to call Arran. After a couple of beeps I patiently waited for him to answer when the creep from behind decided to speak again.
"You look hot tonight. What do you say about a quickie?" He was dangerously close to my body and much to my horror he placed a hand on my lower back.
That's it!
I turned around and pushed him back harshly causing him to stumble abruptly.
"Piss off." I jabbed my index finger at his chest, moving him further away from me.
The poor creep looked stunned by my reaction. I heard a low chuckle nearby and my heart slammed suddenly knowing who it was. Turning around slowly, I saw Arran chuckling lowly at the scene before him.
I have to give him credit; he looks hot even in dark jeans and a light grey T-shirt. His black leather jacket was hanging casually in his arms as his green eyes were roaming around my body. As usual, I reddened under his gaze and he smirked knowingly. What can I say? I'm not used to people looking at me like this.
Arran reaches over to take my hand with his, clasping it gently. I feel the current run through me as I breathe in sharply. My heart starts beating wildly in my chest. I hope he didn't hear it though. The bouncer took the red strip off and allowed me to step out of the line. I could feel many eyes on me, some envying and others loathing.
"She is with me. Don't make her wait ever again." He ordered the bouncer sternly taking me by surprise.
Much to my surprise he keeps hold of my hand as he brushes his thumb over my knuckles.
Relax; he is just holding your hand, nothing more. I had to scold myself. For some unknown reason it felt right to hold his hand like this. Even though there's nothing going on between us but it felt strange yet right to have him this close to me. I don't know if I like him being this close to me or not.
Oh. My. God. He is just holding my hand. Get a grip. I'm acting like no one has ever held my hand before.
As we both went inside, I noticed many familiar faces from magazines. He kept leading me and I clung to him like my life depends on him. Okay, maybe not like my life depends on him but I still had my hand around him, holding him securely.
The club from inside was possibly one of the best clubs I've ever set my eyes on. I continued to stare at it with wide eyes. I've been to clubs with Cherry a few times, but this is like nothing I've ever seen before. From the interior to the music playing, it was truly mind blowing.
He stopped near the bar and ordered something. I was about to tell him that I'm not drinking when I saw he only ordered one shot. I narrowed my eyes at him and sat on the barstool. It was kind of hard since he was still holding my hand. I tried to shrug it off but he held it firmly.
'I get it. You can let go of my hand now'. I glared at him and he smirked playfully and took a shot. Thankfully after a while he let go of my hand.
"How come you get to drink and I don't?" I finally snapped at him but it sounded more like a five year old whining. He smiled at me lazily before taking another shot.
Yeah, rub it in my face why don't you?!
"You're my ride." He states matter-of-factly.
I was about to retort back when a girl, probably the same age as me, came and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, wanna dance?" She purred in his ear.
I made sure not to grimace right in her face. She was pretty though, definitely his type.
"Sure." He muttered huskily.
Sell out. Watching them dancing and having a PG-18 moment I realised, I have to be the most bored person in this club ever. I can't drink because I have to drop him safely to his house, I don't know anyone here, and I can't leave because I have to keep an eye on him.
Just great.
What ever happened to a guy approaching a lonely girl at the bar and offering her a drink?
I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes every time the girl would grind herself on him, but he didn't seem to mind at all. I didn't even understand what they were doing? He was literally kissing her, without caring about anyone. Whatever happened to privacy? I've notice I wasn't the only one who had their eyes on him. He would glance my side often and smirk at me triumphantly. He is such a bastard.
"Here, its on me." The bartender forwards the drink and smiled.
I reddened first; he must be thinking I can't even afford a drink. I bit my lip nervously but he offered me a generous smile. So what if it was a bartender? He was cute for sure, plus he is offering me a drink. I hesitated not knowing how to refuse politely. "Thank you, but I'm driving."
"Its non alcoholic." He said quickly whilst serving another girl.
"Thank you," I took a sip. "Its good."
"So, what is a beautiful lady like you doing on her own?" He questioned me causing me to blush. I seriously need to learn how to stop blushing.
"I am looking after ...." I trailed off not knowing what to say.
"A friend...?" He asked me.
A friend? Yeah right. If only you met him, you will understand that Arran doesn't need friends so therefore he doesn't make any. And I, not in million years, will be his friend...ever!
"Boss" I replied firmly.
"Really?" He arches his eyebrow at me.
"Yeah, you see that guy over there...?" I pointed at Arran. "I am required to look after him." I told him briskly.
"Mr Raymond...." He was shocked for a second.
"You know him?" I won't be surprise if he does.
"Yeah, VIP... It must be hard for you." He looks at me remorsefully and I bit back a laugh.
"You have no idea." I replied him back nervously. I was feeling like someone had their eyes fixed on my back.
"I'm Matt." He told me and did a cool trick with a bottle and glass.
"Emberly." I replied smiling at him softly.
It was a lot easier to talk to him. Apparently, Matt just graduated from university and he was currently looking for a job. I was telling him how I got this job minus my mother's part, I just told him Mr Raymond saw me in college and offered me a job. I don't need to tell everyone how I got this job. They will feel sorry for me and I really don't want anyone's pity. I decided to check on Arran, knowing he would be still clinging to the same girl. I was right, except when he caught me staring at him, he gave me the meanest look he could muster, leaving me momentarily stunned. I turned around swiftly when he whispered something in the girl's ear and made his way over to me.
He chose to ignore me and ordered a drink. I watch him warily as he took the third one. He kept on ordering one after another one. He clearly has lots on his mind. I bit my lips not knowing what to do. He is worse than a teenage boy. I was shocked when he ordered whiskey. Whiskey after Vodka? I don't think so. Last thing I want is Arran to die from intoxication. It surprised me though because a minute ago he was fine, dancing with that girl and then the next minute he is wasting himself.
"I think that's enough." I said slowly in his ear. His hand stills and he looks up at me.
"Here are the house keys. Come and pick me up when I text you. I'll text you the address too." He ordered me, giving me his house keys leaving me utterly confused.
I wanted to ask where he was going? Whose house? What time? I was about to ask him but that's when I saw him leaving with the girl who he was dancing with before. A bitter thought crossed my mind as I watched them go out together, hand in hand.
He was holding my hand a couple of minutes ago. I shook my head and concentrated on what Matt was saying, whose eyes were wide.
"Wow." Matt said slowly, obviously surprised.
"What's wrong?" I wondered and asked him.
"He must trust you a lot to give you his house keys." He was still dazed.
"I don't think so. I have some work left and as an assistant, it's my job." I shrugged my shoulders.
"All I'm saying is you're probably the first one who he trusts enough to give his house keys." He eyed me weirdly.
This had my attention. How does he know? Matt did mention Arran, saying he does come here often but that doesn't mean he knows everything about him.
"How do you know...? What about his previous assistants?" I questioned him.
"Never. Not that I've heard of." He frowns.
"Well..." I seriously didn't know how to reply.
I really tried having a normal conversation with him but my mind was stuck on Arran.
What is he doing now?
Is he 'doing' it with her right now?
When is he going to text me?
Shall I call him?
Why do I even care? I should be thankful he left me alone.
After realising it was getting pretty late, I bid him goodbye. He asked for my number, which I handed him, considering the fact he is a really nice guy and my only friend from tonight.
I drove to his house, not knowing what to do. All I know was to wait for his text. I swiped the card and even though I've been here before I was still gobsmacked looking at it. Rather childishly, I jumped on a large couch and turned the huge screen on. I won't lie; it did feel kind of creepy. I was in an extremely huge but empty house on my own; it gave me nothing but goose bumps.
He told me last week that I have to stay at his house for a night and I immediately agreed knowing I was an extremely heavy sleeper. I wouldn't even notice there's a tornado outside when I'm sleeping. I decided to bring my comfy clothes with me. If I am required to stay at his house for a night I might as well just get comfortable. After changing into my pyjamas in one of the nearest bathrooms, which by the way took me fifteen minutes to find, I held my phone closer to my heart.
This job is harder than what I thought it would be. I have to stay awake for his message and then go and pick him up from where he is. Who thought working for Arran is going to be an easy job? Certainly not! As much as I wanted to look around his house I couldn't bring myself to. Its rather inappropriate and I felt like I was invading his privacy.
Finally, around half two I received a text with an address. After recovering from a near heart attack experience, I nearly did a happy dance. Picking up the house keys and my car keys I legged it to my car and drove at lightning speed to that girl's place.
However, I was shocked to see him lying on a sofa, fully dressed and laughing after every five seconds. I looked at the girl, confused. She lowered her head and that's when I realised even she was fully dressed. Her hair, however, was flying in all different directions. As bad as it sounds, I was actually happy that they didn't hook up.
"He isn't normally like this." She muttered after few minutes of silence.
"Well..." this is awkward, how am I supposed to reply her back? Even I don't know how he is.
"I thought if I have sex with him, my social appearance will go up." She stated honestly, leaving me numb for a couple of seconds.
I was so close to replying back bitterly. So, that's what they think about him? Someone they could sleep with in order to brag in front of their friends? How dare they use someone who is not even in his senses. He might be a jerk but no one has a right to use him like this. And I don't even know why they complain afterward saying rich guys are ruthless and all that shit. Girls like her are no less than the jerks that play with girls' hearts.
I was about to say all this when I saw tears in her eyes. Awkwardly placing a hand on her shoulder I tried my best to give her an assurance smile.
"You don't need to sleep with him if you are going to regret it later on. One advice, don't take advantage of a drunk guy who possibly will forget your name by tomorrow." I told her softly and she nodded her head, refusing to look up.
I turned my attention to Arran and bit a smile. He was laying half on the sofa and half on the floor.
"Come on big boy, lets take you home." I placed a hand on his waist, helping him to get up. He followed me obediently.
I swear he either needs to loose weight or walk straight when he is drunk. I managed to get him on the passenger seat, buckling him securely. I massaged my shoulder and turned the car on.
He was awfully quite ever since we left her house, which made me wonder if something happened. I wanted to ask him but after seeing him resting peacefully, I decided against it.
"You can drive." He muttered after a few minutes.
"Yes, I can." I smiled.
"You're a damn good driver." He said lowly. I'm not sure whether he wanted to say it aloud. This might be the first time he is ever complimenting me. I felt happy but at the same time I knew he would forget about it by tomorrow.
"Thanks." I replied unsurely.
"Your car smells." He scrunched his nose.
My cheeks heated in embarrassment. I hope it didn't. I sniffed and I couldn't smell anything.
"No it doesn't." I scrunched my brows in confusion.
"It smells of strawberries." He slurred.
"That's bad because...?" I questioned him.
Strawberries are supposed to smell nice right? Then why the hell is he making me feel like my car smells of stink bombs?
"It reminds me a lot of..." His tone suddenly turned melancholy.
"Who?" I inquired furthermore. I couldn't look at his face in this darkness.
His voice sounded so isolated. For what I gathered, I know Arran wasn't always like this; something or someone made him this way.
"Eyes on the road." He replied rather harshly and fumbled with the radio, turning it on and blasting it to full volume.
And we are back to arrogant Arran.
"You can't do this... People are sleeping." I hissed at him turning it off.
Gladly, he didn't fight with me and he let me drive quietly. I parked near his house and helped him get off. He stumbled showing traces of alcohol still in his system.
I accidentally hit the on button of the radio and it blasted out some music. I was about to turn it off when I heard him singing loudly. I blinked several times, not believing what I was seeing or hearing.
"This is epic." I grinned and pressed the record button on my phone.
Do I feel bad for taking advantage of his state? Of course I do, but come on how many times do you find your boss singing like this? This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. I stifled a laugh when he tried to hit the high note.
Unfortunately, I had to end the show and lead him inside. As I was about to enter his room, he stopped midways causing me to crash on his chest. I glared at him and he smiled innocently, or that's what I think.
"Wait... I need water." He told me, rubbing his tired eyes.
I told him to go to his room whilst I went around the house in search of the kitchen. After a while I finally found the kitchen and I quickly got a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. I entered his room where he was sitting on the edge of the bed, taking his shoes off. I passed him the bottle and as I was about to sit on the sofa he opened his mouth again.
"Wait..."
I scowled inwardly and waited for him to say something.
"I need to brush my teeth." I didn't miss the amusing glint in his eyes.
"Yeah, go on. You know where to go." I replied sternly and motioned him to get up himself.
"I can't walk." He replied as his mouth twists in amusement. His eyes were staring at mine, challenging me. I glared back.
Its so effing on.
If you want to play this way, then this way it is. I plastered a smile on my face and helped him get up before dragging him inside the bathroom. I seriously need to learn how to compose myself in front of him. His bathroom had everything I could've ever imagined. Yet this was another reason for me to spite his lifestyle. Rather harshly I handed him his toothbrush and waited patiently for him to finish. He rinsed his toothbrush and smirked at me through the mirror. Something tells me he has something planned in his head.
"Your turn." He passed me his toothbrush and I gawked at his hand, not knowing what to do. There's no way I am sharing his toothbrush. He tapped his foot and whistled only annoying me more. Instead of taking the one from his hand, I pushed him roughly and opened one of the cabinets in search of an unused toothbrush. When I found one I ripped it and brushed my teeth quickly. Rinsing my mouth with water I arched my eyebrow at him. He smirks but nevertheless exits from the bathroom.
Again, I was about to sit on the sofa when he opened his mouth.
"Wait..."
"What now?" I asked through my clenched teeth whilst shutting my eyes tightly to keep a lid on my anger.
"I don't like sleeping with my clothes on." He retorted.
"What?" I nearly screamed in frustration.
"I said I don't like..."
"Yes I got that part but what do you want me to do about it?" I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously.
"I can't lift my arms up." His mouth twists in amusement.
Something about his smirk tells me he is doing all this on purpose.
"Don't then, just go to bed." I tried to push him but he stood still.
"No, take my clothes off." He flicks my nose.
I knew for a fact he was walking though a very thin line.
"You took your shoes off, now put some effort and take your clothes off too."
"I can't... I'm feeling tired." He yawned, but I'm sure he was feigning.
"And I feel like killing you." I muttered under my breath.
He waited patiently with his green eyes staring at me innocently. He was almost pouting, sulky.
Oh for the love of god.
I pulled his arm and nervously took his watch and placed it on the table. His mouth twists in a triumphant smile. I look up at his eyes where his gaze is unwavering and intense. The atmosphere around me suddenly changes. It was almost dusky. Gently, I push his jacket over his shoulders, and his eyes stay on mine. I couldn't figure out what he was thinking. My heart was thumping loudly against my chest. I swallowed loudly as my shaky fingers contacted the hem of his shirt and I began to lift it.
He cooperates, raising his arms making it easier for me to pull it off. Once off, he gazes down at me, intently, wearing just his jean that hung low from his hips. I let my eyes travel over his chest and without even touching it; I could tell his skin was soft and smooth. The band of his boxer briefs was visible. I dared to look at him and found him gazing back at me. All trace of humour was gone. His eyes don't leave mine, but he swallows and his lips part slightly.
As I touch the belt, he stills. His face is impassive, but he was breathing rapidly matching my pants. Shit, I didn't even realise my breaths are coming out as pants now. I felt incredibly hot under his gaze as I felt my hands getting clammy. After unbuckling the belt, my hands travel to his jean's button. His jaw tenses and his eyes hardened.
"I... can't...d...do...this" I stuttered, taking a step back quickly.
My body was on fire, I felt weird things happening inside me, like how my heart was thumping at abnormal speed and how my hands were itching to just hold his face and bring it closer to mine. He seemed to recover from this as he nods his head and takes his jeans off. My eyes widened and I glared at him.
"A little warning next time." I said sarcastically and he smirks.
He lay on the bed and switched the lights off. I lay on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. I couldn't fall asleep as I kept replying what happened a minute ago. What the hell was I thinking? He is my boss, for god sake. I am getting paid to look after him.
"Emberly..." I heard him say in darkness.
I chose to ignore it.
"Emberly..." He says it softly this time but still I couldn't bring my self to reply him back.
"I know you can hear me..."
"Good." I mumbled and he chuckles.
"Emberly..." He says a bit louder this time.
"What?" I nearly screamed.
"I am feeling cold."
"So?" I asked him, bewildered.
"Put a blanket around me."
Is he serious? I change my position so I am facing him. Even thought its dark and I can't properly see him, I was hoping he could see my face.
"Do it yourself." I replied between my clenched teeth.
"I can't... my arms are aching." His voice was laced in humour.
"You are not dead, do it yourself!" I snapped at him.
"Emberly..." He kept on repeating my name.
"I hate you so much." I gritted and got up hastily.
I got off the sofa and went near his bed. As I was about to pull the duvet over him, he grabbed me by my hips, and before I know it, I am pinned on top of him. I let out a surprised yelp and he held me still. My heart starts pounding, my blood pumping and I couldn't seem to move a muscle.
"You are heavy." He said huskily in my ear, sending shivers down my spines.
It took me few minutes to register what he said. When I got it I ended up laughing at the irony. How very unflattering of him to say to a girl who is always conscious about her appearance! He joins me too as our bodies shook with laughter.
Wait why is he laughing? I stopped laughing and glared at him, if he could see it.
"I mean you are... different... I like different." He helps me get comfortable on top of him and I placed both my hands on his chest, trying to get up.
He pulled me into a warm embrace and pressed my head against his chest. I am sure I am a goner by morning.
"What...are...you...doing?" I stuttered.
"Sleep." He murmured in the darkness.
"On top of you?" I nearly screamed.
He let go of me and I rolled on the other side, facing away from him. Gingerly, he moves over and puts his arms around me and pulls me to his chest... I think I just died a little. Taking a shaky breath, I tried to protest.
"Shhh, I'm trying to sleep here, now be a good girl and sleep." He whispered in my ear, and I feel his nose in my hair as he inhales deeply.
I kept still under his touch, not knowing what to do. My boss is sleeping with me and I have no idea what to do!
Get up. A part of me was screaming at me but my mind had other plans, as I couldn't bring myself to get up.
"Emberly?"
This time there's something in his tone that had me worried.
"Yeah...?"
"Promise me, you wont leave me..." He slurred.
I turned around to face him, shocked by his words. His eyes were wide and cautious. Suddenly, he looked so vulnerable and my heart constricts. I know, for sure, he meant every word he said. I reach up and stroke his face nervously, running my fingers through the stubble on his cheek. It's unexpectedly soft.
"I promise." I whispered and he smiled gently, pulling me closer to his chest.
That moment I didn't care that I was in the same bed as my boss. I didn't even care thinking about the trouble I will get in if someone catches us like this. Even loosing this job didn't matter to me.
In the comfort and solace of his arms, I drift into a peaceful sleep.
â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦
I never had alcohol ever in my life so I really don't know how it... works? So excuse me on that :)