Oh no no no no…
Asher's jacket was missing when I got home and Garrett was nowhere to be found. He didn't come back home and his lines were off. I was genuinely scared, what if he found out that it belonged to Asher?
I tried to calm myself down with the thought that he couldn't find the owner of a jacket so easily but then another problem surfaced in my head, what should I tell Asher? That my boyfriend took it to find you because you had a one stand with me?
Fuck!
I was so confused and was about to lose my mind. I tried Garrett's line for the last time before leaving for work. I was about fifteen minutes late when I entered the office.
“Lorie, why on earth are you late? The CEO wants you in his office now” Jasmine rushed up to me and said.
I looked through the transparent glass of Asher's office and there he was, with a serious face working. I tried to keep a calm composure and muttered thanks to Jasmine. As I passed through the other coworkers, I could see them pass me a sympathetic look as if I was going to see the devil himself. And they were right…
I knocked on the office door and went in nervously. I could see the other coworker sneaking a peek at us, probably curious to see what the cold CEO would do to me. Asher remained quiet, his eyes trained on his laptop as if I didn't just walk into his office.
I stood there quietly, tried to rehearse what to say and how to say it and I kept coming up blank. After one torturous minute, he said, “Close the blinds”
“I'm sorry what?” I thought I didn't hear him clearly. Why did he want me to close the blinds? The image of that steamy night came into my mind, making my stomach flip. I waited for him to repeat it but he didn't so I had no choice but to close the blinds. My co workers who were waiting for a show were quite disappointed when I blocked their view with the blinds, the office was soundproof too so they could not hear or see what was happening.
“You were fifteen minutes late” Asher finally looked up from his laptop as he spoke.
“I'm sorry Sir, it won't happen again” I said with my head bowed.
“You seem to like saying sorry but I don't” he said.
“I'm so…” I bit my lip to stop myself from apologizing again.
“You have something of mine, where is it?” he asked, his face as blank as ever. If I didn't see him smirking and smiling before, I would have said he was only capable of an expressionless face.
I stayed quiet with my head bowed slightly, I didn't know what to say and where to start from, and how do I apologize when he doesn't want me to say sorry.
“Cat caught your tongue?” he questioned as he stood up slowly.
“T..The thing is I mistakenly ruined it, I know you don't like me saying sorry but I'm very sorry. I promise to pay you back as soon as possible” I said with utmost sincerity. I didn't even have any money that could pay for it but at this point, I just needed anything to get him off my back.
Asher bursted into laughter and walked closer to me with his imposing figure, I found myself unconsciously stepping back.“Do you think you can pay for my jacket with that meager salary of yours?” he taunted with a smirk.
My back hit the wall indicating that I had reached the end, Asher placed one hand on the wall by my head as if telling me I had nowhere to run. My heart hammered wildly in my chest and my body trembled “I will do anything you want” I blurted out, desperate to get away from him no matter what. He had a strange influence on my body that made me feel vulnerable, I felt ashamed of myself for offering my body for a jacket and even more ashamed that I wanted him.
“Anything?” his smirk got wilder. He raised his hands to trail the open end on my sleeve that exposed my full chest. My core clenched in anticipation as images of the night before attacked me. I wanted to run away and didn't want to at the same time.
“Y..Yes” I rushed out, praying someone came to disrupt the tense atmosphere.
“Asher baby, I'm backkkk” A feminine voice burst into the room loudly and I quickly moved away from Asher to avoid being caught in a compromising situation with him. But I was a second too slow because she saw us.
The woman had long wavy ginger hair that reached the curve of her waist with green eyes and full lips. She had a stunning hourglass body that was perfect for modeling and now that I looked again, she was the world famous model, Sabrina Dubois.
She frowned as her eyes fell on me and she said, “Leave us”
I was about to scurry out when I heard Asher's guttural voice, “No, stay. I'm not done talking to you” I turned to look at Asher but the face I saw almost made me step back a little. This was the most angry face I have ever seen on me, he was simply livid, his eyes were darker and colder and his hands was folded in fists. All this anger was directed at this woman, what was going on?
Wait! I remember Jasmine telling me yesterday that after further research she found out that the woman who ran off leaving Asher at the altar was a famous model. Could it be Sabrina?
Oh my god, I felt like I was interfering in something personal but then I couldn't leave because my boss ordered me not to. Sabrina sent me a death glare before turning to Asher and switching to a guilty look.
“Asher baby, I'm so sorry. I know you must be angry and heartbroken, but we can settle down and talk about this” She pleaded. It was supposed to be genuine but why does the apology sound so fake?
“There's nothing to talk about. Leave” Asher said in a stern voice, I could tell he was struggling to control his anger.
“Look Asher, I can explain why. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity you see, I would earn big. I couldn't just let it go, baby. I swear I wanted to tell you but there was no time, by the time I came back I heard of how distraught you were and I waited for you to heal before showing myself to you. You have to believe me Asher, I still love you” She said as she walked closer to Asher with a slow step and tears brimming in her eyes. I looked at her in surprise, was she okay? She left her fiance at the altar for a business deal!? That was just plain insane. I thought that perhaps they had some conflicts that they kept secret, out of everyone's eyes but it became too much for Sabrina to ignore so she had to leave. I even suspected that it was Asher who caused their splitting because of how he was such an asshole to people, I never thought that the reason for that split up was due to a mere business deal.
With the ongoing drama, my fellow coworkers would definitely not let me rest because I was the only one who could see and hear everything. I could say I was lucky but I wasn't, Sabrina already had me in her bad book I'm sure.
“Love me?” Asher chuckled dryly before he added, “The only time I decided to fall in love with a woman, she left me on our wedding day to chase a modeling job. Now she's coming back one year later asking for forgiveness?… pffttt, I'm only going to say this once, GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY OFFICE NOW!!!” His voice was loud and full of anger, I wasn't the one he was talking to but I shivered under his voice. I never wanted to be on the other side of his voice.
“Ash baby, come on” She ignored his threat and attempted to touch him. Asher's folded fist immediately went into the wall which was made with wood, it cracked a bit and his fingers were a little bruised.
“LEAVE or I'll call security. I'm pretty sure the world wouldn't mind seeing their world class model being dragged out of a building” He spat venomously.
Sabrina's guilty face disappeared and she stopped reaching out, she looked at me and something flashed through her eyes, “You better watch out” was all she said before turning around and storming out of the office.
I was beyond stunned, since the night I met Asher, my life has been a rollercoaster. I didn't even know whether to laugh or cry at my newly found enemy.
Asher suddenly cleared his throat, he tried to regain his composure despite the hint of despair in his face, “So as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted… how do you intend to pay for my jacket?”
I was a little caught off guard that he still didn't forget, “Uhmmm… I said anything you want” I answered nervously.
“Good. Meet me at the Winnbred deluxe hostel at 10pm today so you can repay me” He said with a nonchalant voice as he returned to his seat and resumed working like he didn't just plan a sex meeting with his secretary.
I nodded awkwardly thinking about what could happen at that hostel tonight. I felt my dignity as a woman being crushed for offering my body because of a jacket, if people heard of this, I would live the rest of my life in shame. But deep down in my heart, I admittedly missed his embrace and couldn't wait.
Winnbred Deluxe hotel.. 10pm' kept ringing in my head. My legs were tingling with anticipation.I knew this was wrong. I knew I shouldn't be having such thoughts. But I couldn't resist this kind of temptation.Garret’s and I love life was nothing to write home about. We don't even have sex anymore. He whores around shamelessly and when he comes home drunk he would slump on the couch and snore away.But it was entirely a different story with Asher. That night was the best life of my life.The way he kissed me and the way he tasted kept me wanting more.The way he rode me and how he sucked my..‘Lorie stop! Stop thinking about what's between your boss legs.’ I groaned but my hormones definitely weren't listening to my silent plea.‘just a little bit more time you will go on another jolly ride with your boss. So keep calm girl.’ I kept trying to calm my already wrecked hormones.‘Can't wait to start screaming my name?’Ohhh I can even hear his voice in my head.Nice.‘Get a grip Lorie!’
‘Welcome home Lor'.Garret's voice was laced with scorn and alcohol it was so heavy that I shivered in fear.‘Thank you'He got up and stared at my face. My hand instinctively went to my neck where the hickey was trying to hide it. But it was too late. Garrett had seen it. He grabbed my hair and his hand connected with my face. ‘you went around whoring and came back way past your curfew'. ‘please.. please stop' I pleaded trying to pry his hands away from my hair but he pulled it harder and threw me against the wall.His slaps came and the blows followed. I curled on the ground trying to protect myself.‘How could you? How could you when I work my ass off to pay for your sister's bills’Guilt well inside me when he mentioned my sister hospital bills.He knew that was the only way to break me.‘you shouldn't be like that to me Lor'. He whispered in my ears.‘That sick girl drugs cost a fortune you know’. His voice was laced with hate. ‘you should not spread your legs for a loser who
Lunch hours were the only time I could relax. The pile of files I go through everyday was almost making me lose my sight. And that jerk of a boss was not making things any easier. He doesn’t like seeing me seated without doing something ‘productive'. He always emphasizes the fact that time is money. Things weren't this hectic when Old Mr Hardin was here. Asher Hardin wanted to do something entirely different from his father. The meetings we had were very stressful too since he always argued with his father's old employees who believed in upholding his father's legacy. He had shouted at them once that if they do not like his methods they are very free to leave but without any severance payment from ‘HIS' company. Emphasis on the ‘his'. That had shut them up for awhile.As I sat in my favorite place; the kitchen couch during lunch, I couldn't help but think of my sister Elle. She was always a bright child. Our parents had her late hence our age difference.She was seven years old whe
‘It's Asher'My eyes went wide and my hand instinctively went to the red button and I hung up.I wasn't ready to get fired. Not when I have bills to pay. Seeing the shock and panic in my face, Jasmine tried looking at my phone to know what went wrong.‘Who was it? She asked when her curiosity was not satisfied since the contact was not saved.‘My boss' I replied suddenly feeling hot. I walked towards the window and opened them.‘oh your hot boss.’ She said, smirking.‘I think cold is a more appropriate term Jas, I really don't want to get fired’ ‘then call him and explain how things are to him. I'm sure he would understand’. I was nervous. I didn't know how to tell him about my sister's illness. Working with his father was much easier. Suddenly my phone vibrated in my hand making me jump. It was him again. This time I accepted the call.‘Hel.. hello sir' Why do I have to stammer? Arrgg!‘Miss Amaris I don't appreciate people hanging up on me when I am still speaking’ his voice
We got to the cafe and ordered breakfast. I couldn't take my eyes off Asher. In his anger at the meeting he had ruffled his hair with his hand and that had given him a very dangerous look. I would love to admit that my boss was hot. His ruffled hair was giving me other ideas.My mind voluntarily went back to our first night in the car. How I had grabbed his hair and pulled. Thinking of that night made me shiver. ‘Do you feel sick?’ Asher's voice woke me up from my engrossed thoughts .It was then I realized that Goosebumps had coated my sleeveless arm.‘I feel fine sir. Just a little bit cold.’ I replied, taking my coat which I had taken off earlier from the chair and draped it around me. ‘Regarding my earlier question, Miss Amaris, what is your reply?’ He was done eating and was waiting for me to finish.My mind awry with different kinds of thoughts.He couldn't get enough of me and he wants it again?Was my boss attracted to me?I know I shouldn't be having thoughts like thi
Working on paperwork with back aches and your hair almost pulled out does not happen everyday but since I knew Garrett,I have gotten used to the pain. I buried myself in my work that I didn't realise it was closing hours.‘Hey babe,’ looking up I saw Jasmine strolling towards me. ‘Hi, you're leaving?’ I asked reaching for my watch. ‘yeah.’ Seeing that I wasn't getting up ready to leave she asked.‘you're staying overnight?’ ‘no I just want to finish these papers before leaving.’ I mumbled.‘It's Friday night and I have a blind date today. So I have to leave now.’ She was blushing.That made me ignore my work a bit to concentrate on her.‘a blind date? Who arranged it? Your mom?’ I was eager to hear the spicy juice.Jasmine unlike me comes from a well to do family. They are not entirely rich but they are not suffering.‘no an Aunt’ she paused ‘he is a lawyer.’ Oh my.‘aww that's so nice. You going on a date made me remember Tommy.’ I said showing her my thirty-two teeth.‘Ohhh don
HENRY KINGSTON.The name that could send every old employee of importance working in the Hardins group fuming with anger, hatred and disgust. In fact, mentioning the name Kingston was banned in our company.I don't know much about the “beef” neither do I know how or when it started. But ever since I started working in the company, Henry has done a lot of harm that even made me dislike him even when I haven't met him.And I heard that Asher and Henry were enemies for a long time.I took the company's card and shopped online for a dress suitable for the party. I wasn't going to spend my own money on stuff like that when I have Elle's surgery to think of.I chose a black body con gown laced with gold and I got a bag to fit. While waiting for the delivery, I decided to continue working on the files.I was halfway done when I noticed Asher standing by the door with his hands folded. ‘do you need something sir?’ I got up from my seat prepared to get him what he needed.‘the file I was lo
Mr. Smile was Henry Kingston, who was my boss’ enemy.The one who was our company's number one rival. The very one my boss clearly warned me to stay away from. I didn't just talk to him, I danced with him.I was dumbfounded.The tall man turned out to be Mr Henry’s secretary and right hand man. He turned towards Asher as if he wanted to hit him.Let the kid be Carter, Let him whine. Seems he hadn’t let go of what had happened.’ Henry smiled coldly.This man was entirely different from the Mr. Smile from earlier.Like seriously! I heard Henry was an arsehole but seeing it for myself made me extremely mad. I get why Asher hated him. Asher’s cold eyes were filled with rage and it was obvious he wanted to reach out to Henry and beat the living hell out of him.They both silently threw arrows at each other with their eyes.I could feel the tension between the two. You can cut it with a knife.Thankfully the guests seem to not have noticed the exchange between the two. I tried pulling Ash