"Come in," Alexander replied from inside the office. "Good morning, sir" Rosalie greeted with a smile as she approached him.
She had worked for two days and she knew it was a good one. They worked overtime, especially the second day he sent her to Williams.She worked until she became weary.But she loved it, as long as she got paid, she would work."Morning Miss Jones" Alexander replied as his eyes scanned her attire. She was dressed in a straight skirt with a plain t-shirt that matched the stiletto heels she had on.Rosalie sucked in her cheeks as he scrutinized her. Her legs felt wobble under his penetrating gaze, "I'll finish the work we—" he cut her short when he stood up."You're here early today, you'll have—" he paused when her face creased into a frown. "What's it Miss Jones?" He queried but she shook her head."You frowned in between my speech, why?" He asked as his eyes bore holes on her in a bid to read her body language."You…said I was early, I'm always early" Rosalie stuttered and casted her gaze to the floor as soon as she was done. She didn't know if it was right to say that.She raised her head when she heard no words and what she saw made her breathe stop. His lips curled up into a smirk; almost a smile.She batted her lashes in surprise. He could smile? "So, you think you're always early?" Alexander cocked his head and his eyes roamed around her."Yes sir," she answered and clutched tightly to her handbag. She didn't know where the conversation would lead to but she needed to know."Wow" Alexander clicked his tongue and rose to his feet. "What if I tell you that the time you consider early is late for me?""Huh?" Rosalie's brows puckered as she stared befuddled. What did he mean? She gets to work at least by 7:30. How's that not early?"You don't come early Miss Jones, you come just right on time but since you're early today," he took a glance at his wristwatch."I want you to get my coffee."Rosalie paused. Her whole body stopped every action for a second. He asked her to get his coffee? Was he in a good mood?"Go get it" He muttered and she nodded quickly. "Yes sir, I'll drop this" she walked briskly to her office, dropped her bag and walked back to him."Just right outside, you see a door. Get in and you see the French press" Alexander ordered and she nodded. Of course she knew the door he talked about.Her lips formed into a thin line and she tried not to stumble in her steps. She could feel his cold gaze on her and she wondered what he was thinking.As soon as she was out of the office, she sighted the door and she trotted towards it. She pushed the door open, peered in like it housed a criminal before she got in.She sighted the french press with the coffee she needed. Thank goodness, she knew how to use a cafetiere. After about five minutes, she grabbed the mug.Her hands trembled as she took in the sight of the coffee. Was that good? She hoped he would like it. She bit on her lips and with a last glance at the french press, she headed out of the room.As she walked towards his office, her mind wandered around? As much as she tried to keep her thoughts in check, she couldn't. Was she doing a good job?She inhaled and sighed. She worked her best. Of course. She was only paranoid. She was doing a good job as his secretary.Just as she raised her hand to knock, she heard voices. The voices were familiar and it caused her insides to tighten. Who was with Alexander? She hoped it wasn't who clicked in her mind.She knocked and he gave her the order to come in. Just as she stepped in, her legs failed to move when her orbs rested on the owner of the voice.It was him—Williams Shelby.Williams whipped his head to the door and a smile curled on his lips when he saw her. Just like the day she visited his office, she allured him."Ohh if it's not your alluring secretary" Williams chuckled while Rosalie remained glued to the spot. She casted her gaze to the floor when she remembered his action that day.He tried to touch her. If not because someone interrupted, she didn't know what would have happened."No Williams" Alex spoke up when he understood the scene. "I keep things professional here, Williams" he stated firmly."Bring the coffee, Miss Jones" Alexander ordered and Rosalie raised her head. She bit on her lip and batted her lashes.Even though it was an order, it was comforting. It sounded protective and it made her heartbeat quicken. She held the mug firmly and trotted towards him.All along, Williams' gaze was on her. His eyes feld on the curves that were accentuated with the skirt she wore. Then his gaze traveled to her face. His lips curled into a smile when he saw her spotless face, the name she bore fitted her perfectly."Williams—" Alexander scolded as he watched him feed his eyes on his secretary. His brows creased when Williams smiled. Seems Williams took things too far, he had to put an end to it."Have it sir" Rosalie bowed as her hands trembled. It was uncomfortable being in an office with two men and with one undressing her with his eyes.But Alexander was there and she knew he would protect her. Of course, he didn't look like a man like Williams.But—what if one day Alexander sends her to Williams? What if they're all alone in the office? What if he takes advantage of her?Her hands and body quivered at the thought. "Miss Jones?" Alexander called and it jolted her out of her thoughts. She flinched and that was it—She lost control of the mug; it slid out of her hold and some of the content splashed on Alex before the mug hit the floor and shattered into pieces.A gasp ran out of Rosalie's lips and she moved back wide eyed. Her palm went over her lips when she raised her head to see Alexander's jaw was tense."I'm…I'm so sorry" she mumbled and did the next thing she could think of. She took her hands to his trouser and tried to clean the stain. "I'm —" she bit on her lip to suppress the sob."I'm sorry sir" her voice was brittle and she hurriedly cleaned the trousers. "Stop" Alexander ordered but it fell on deaf ears as she continued."Stop!" Alexander demanded angrily. He grabbed her hand and she paused. She raised her head to him wide eyed."I'm so—" she moved a step backwards. She stumbled on a piece of ceramic and that was it; she gasped as the heels she had on slipped and in a second, she was in the air with her hands screeched out in search of a hold.Alexander was quick to reach out for her. He pulled her and she fell right into his arms; her face buried in his chest."I—" Rosalie held on to him with wide eyes. She sniffed and the strong smell of his cologne hit her nose causing her to wish for his closeness.Her breathing clogged as she gripped his shirt tightly.The door jerked open and it caused the three parties to whip their head to the door. Rosalie's eyes widened when she saw the face.Sophia!"Again?" Sophia mumbled and stopped in her steps when she digested the scene. She was in his arms again. Her jaw tightened and her hands bunched into a fist.Veins throbbed in her neck as anger pulsated in her veins. That secretary again. She did it once more; after she warned her.Rosalie gulped nervously as her heart raced till she could feel her pulse in her ears. Sophia caught her in his arms. How was she so unlucky? She felt the anger Sophia radiated with just her glare.A voice broke into her thoughts and it was Alexander, "get down!"She sniffed and hurriedly got down from his legs. She bit hard on her lips as her arms trembled when she saw Alexander's face. His brows were contorted and his lips were tight together.She was clumsy again. But it wasn't her fault, she was thinking about Williams. She whipped her head to Williams and he was watching with a smirk. He was clearly amused."Alexander, " Sophia called as he walked to him. "Is it a random thing to have your secretary in your arms now?" She tilted her head and crossed her hands on her chest.Alexander scoffed and stared down at his trouser. He rubbed his forehead before he faced Sophia, "can't you take in the scene?""She almost fell again," Sophia asked, more like a statement. She clicked her tongue and turned to Rosalie who fidgeted. She understood her.She understood girls like her; acting all innocent when they had a mission. She could see Rosalie's mission and she would put an end to it.And she would start at that moment."Goodness, you're drenched" Sophia glanced around while Rosalie watched with quivering lips. "You'll have to change your trousers.""Come on, let's get you another" she grabbed Alexander's hand and it took everything in him not to scoff.She led the way and Rosalie saw they vanished into the next door. It dawned on her immediately; that was his office room.Rosalie glanced around as she fought back the tears that pooled in her eyes. Alexander was angry; she saw it. He was mad at her. He wanted perfection but she did the exact opposite."You should probably get this cleaned up" Williams broke into her thoughts and she turned to him. She nodded and glanced around."There's a bin outside," Williams said as if he read her thoughts. She nodded, rushed out and hurried back to the ceramic. She got control of her trembling hands and picked the pieces of the mug."I…I didn't mean to splash it on him" a lone tear ran down her face as she thought of the implications. Would he sack her? She hoped not.She couldn't afford to lose that job.Or maybe she was ill-fated.The hands on her face made her gasp, "pretty girls don't cry" Williams mumbled with a wink."Don't touch me! Rosalie barked. She sniffed and picked the bin. He's the reason for everything. He caused it. If he wasn't staring, it wouldn't have happened.She went outside, came back and cleaned the floor.When she was done, she fondled her hands. "Here, my card, you might want us to link up" Williams mumbled and she scoffed. He chortled, clicked his tongue and unexpectedly lowered his head to her face."Get off me!" she pushed him off and he laughed. "Bye pretty" he blew her a kiss and vanished.Rosalie licked her lips and ruffled her hair as she awaited Alexander. She had to apologize. She didn't mean to be clumsy.The door opened and he walked in with Sophia clutching tightly to him."Sir, I am—" he cut her off with his hands in the air. "I don't want to hear it."Another lone tear ran down her face and her lips quivered while her heart sank. She was sorry. He shouldn't be mad at her."Get out of here!" Sophia glowered and Rosalie sniffed.She turned around but Alexander made her stop in her steps, "get the files Miss Jones, let's get to work."What? Sophia's eyes widened while Rosalie leaped for joy. He gave her yet another chance. Happiness surged through her at his kindness.Sophia scoffed as she stared at Alexander, "you're giving her another chance?""Hmm" Alexander mumbled with his gaze fixated on his trembling secretary who batted her lashes vigorously.Sophia scorned in disdain, "what about our date then Alex?" She crossed her hands and Alexander paused.Date—he forgot.Date.Alexander exhaled and turned to Sophia. "Is it today?""Are you asking me that?" Sophia scoffed and sucked in her flushed cheeks. As her eyes darted around, it landed on Rosalie, "what're you doing here? Get away from here" she growled and her hands balled into a fist.Rosalie sniffled and nodded rapidly. She turned around and scurried into her office leaving Sophia with Alexander."Why'd you send her off? I'll need her" Alexander queried as he strode to the couch."Need her? For what Alex? I just told you we have to go on a date. You gave no answer. I met her on your thighs, in your arms Alex and you said nothing about it. Nothing Alex," Sophia groaned as raw anger shot through her.Just by thinking of that secretary in Alex's arms, the loathe rose in her like a tide. Her blood steamed and rage swelled in her. She'll make her pay.She'll get her out of Alex's office no matter what."Why're you angry?" Alexander questioned and she turned to him with raised brows. Was he asking h
As Alexander strode into the opulent living room, a smile broke on his lips when the light emanated by the chandelier flashed in his eyes.He missed the feeling of watching light emanate from the chandelier. In fact, he missed everything about this house —his parent's house."Good evening, sir" a maid came into view and dropped a tray on the table. "Get mum" Alexander ordered and settled on the sofa.The maid bowed, turned around and headed to the stairs.Alexander exhaled and shut his eyes. He could feel his muscles screaming. He needed to rest and he knew it but he couldn't. He wasn't resting any time soon.He had a load of work to access and a lot of deals to examine. He knew it'd be that way the moment he took a break from the office.He had to attend to his work; his personal work that got him entangled in a compromising situation. He exhaled and tugged on his hair."So, what're you brooding about?" Alexander raised his head when the voice plunged into his thoughts. "Me?" He chor
The thoughts clung tightly to her insides as she worked. Her trembling hands didn't get a grip of the pen. She ran her hands through her hair and took a deep breath.30,000.Where was she going to get it? Rosalie let out a frustrated sigh at the thoughts. The last time her mum took out a loan and couldn't pay, she suffered the consequences. She remembered her fear that night.It was a miracle she was rescued, else she didn't know what could have happened.But now, there was no hope.Despite how hard she tried, she could see the situation repeating itself. No, she couldn't afford to go through that again.No human deserved to. She tugged on her hair as she thought of a solution but her foggy mind didn't let her.Her insides were clouded with the cold demeanor of Alexander and the thugs issue. She knew her boss was still mad at her and hadn't let go of that day's clumsiness.Despite her trying to reassure herself, the dreaded thoughts hunted her. She could see herself getting fired.Sh
Rosalie sniffed and gripped her handbag tighter. She just got out of the elevator and despite how hard she tried to console herself, it didn't work.She made him lose that deal.He was angry!He left her there and she took a taxi to the company. Her steps wavered and she sniffled as she sighted the office. Why was she unlucky?She keeps getting into trouble every now and then. And now, she jeopardized her job.But it wasn't her fault. Her anxiety was at work.She didn't believe she could experience it again. That was the main reason they came to New York. Her paranoia ate her up wherever she went.Suddenly, she paused in her steps at the sound. As she strained her ear to hear clearer, a high pitched yell filled her ears.She could figure out that yell anywhere.A tell tale feeling surged through her but she shook her head. She wouldn't believe it. She had to see.She trotted to the office and pushed the door open. The moment her orbs rested on the figures, all courage, hope she felt
Rosalie?She didn't go home? She came to the bar?His eyes widened when she almost fell. She held on to a stool as her eyes threatened to close. Her face was tear-stricken and her eyes looked puffy.He knew she had been crying and she was drunk.A prickly feeling of regret washed through his veins and he found himself heading to her."Rosalie —" he called and she raised her head to him. She batted her lashes and retrieved a step backwards which caused her to stumble but Alexander was quick to reach out for her."Miss Jones —" he held her firmly to himself and once again, he was attracted to her cognac eyes."Sir…" Rosalie stuttered with her lips quivering. "Did…you hire me again?" She grabbed his face like she needed it to be true."Miss Jones, you're drunk" Alexander cautioned when she grabbed the bottle of alcohol in her hands. "Oh yeah, I shouldn't" Rosalie chuckled and held on tightly to his shirt."Please don't fire me, please" she begged and clutched tighter to him "I need the j
Rosalie sniffed and clung to herself despite the hotness of her body. The sound of her heart beating slowly coupled her blurry vision.Her face was stained with tears that dropped as her mind ran wild about the situation on ground. It's been a week since she told the man she was going to pay him by the end of month.How that slipped off her mouth she didn't know.She guessed it was the only thing her brain thought of in that dangerous situation.She sniffled and sighed.She knew one thing; she couldn't get 30,000 in a week; except a miracle happened. And she was sure now—she wasn't meant for good things.Her phone beeped and she hurriedly reached out for it.She checked her mail and her eyes became clouded with tears when she saw one of her applications had been rejected.She had been trying to get a job to no avail. She sighed and palmed her face.The heat she felt was nothing compared to the pain in her life. She never imagined her life this way. 22 and not having money? She didn't
Rosalie took a sharp breath as she stared at the office door. Once again, she was in his office for a job. The receptionist had thrown her a surprised look but Rosalie cared less.She had to come see him and plead for a second chance.She sniffed and exhaled as she clutched tightly to the folder of files. Even if he had employed a new secretary, she'd ask for another job.Anything to pay her money.After one moment of her mustering courage, she raised her hand to knock and at the same time the door creaked open revealing Alexander.Alexander took a step backward as they locked eyes. He stood unblinking as he tried to process the image in front of him.It felt surreal but she was there. His heart thumped inside of him. It leaped for joy like a part of it was back."Sir—" Rosalie licked her lips and batted her lashes. That simple action made Alexander wish to hold her. He punched his hands to fight back every urge to hold her.He said to forget her and the persistent feeling. What was h
"Mr. Alex?" The Managing Director of the company pushed Alexander's office open causing both Rosalie and Alexander to turn to him."Yes Morris," Alexander's brows creased into a frown as the MD approached them. "Have you seen the news?" Morris questioned as he walked further to them."Good morning sir" Rosalie greeted when Morris kept his gaze on her. "Alexander, are you having an affair with your secretary now?"Rosalie stopped as she processed it. Secretary? Which secretary was that?"What do you mean Morris?" Alexander asked with a frown. He hoped it wasn't what he was thinking."Just check the news," the MD mumbled and Alexander scoffed. Of course it was what he thought.They were in the news; he was in the news with Rosalie, with her in his arms. Barely four days ago that she fainted, someone took a picture of her in his arms and it was stirring up reactions online."Morris, I think you should be more concerned about how that picture was taken because clearly, it wasn't in the da