Chapter 3 2. Met him finally

The building was a beautiful existence, I couldn't get enough of how sophisticated everything looked. As I entered the place there was a dark walnut wood covering the entire huge left-hand wall, making it look intimidating but also very gorgeous.

The leather sofa with a fur rug over the back and an Indian blanket draped over the arm gave a feel of how expensive everything was. The far wall had a large painting of three jazz musicians dominating the centre, with bookshelves lining it on either side. In front of that reception was an upright piano and bench in dark walnut.

Hanging on the wall above the piano was an abstract painting of jazz musicians. Seems like the owner has a liking for music. There was a double door before the piano which led out to a patio, which was another place for the visitors.

The place looked more like a seven-star hotel rather than an office. Everything so expensive and lavish, gave a hint the owner definitely is a person of taste. I was very impressed. And don't blame me I have a thing for rich movable property.

Humph.

As much as I admired the sight, I was very anxious as well. Obviously, I wasn't there on a hangout, so as I took every step forward, my nervousness rose up. I was looking around when my eyes went in the direction of a beautiful lady in the reception area and I went towards the counter.

"Hello." I said, grabbing her attention.

"Yes dear, what may I help you with?" She asked politely.

"I received a message that I've been appointed as the new assistant for Mr. Valentino?" I said, making it more like a question.

"Oh yes, Chloe Cameron, right?" She said and I just nodded.

"I'll just inform and arrange a meeting. Alright? Till then you may sit in the waiting area." She said as she shifted her fingers to the keyboard.

"Okay ma'am. Thank you." I said with a little smile.

I walked down the lobby reaching the foyer which was again another room with rich furniture and dominating wood, and a fresh metallic scent covered the room. The yellow lighting gave it a sexy yet a sophisticated vibe. I entered and seeing I was the only one there, eased a little, though still very worried.

I opened my phone saw a text from Claire in the notification panel which said 'All the best my sunshine!'. A smile came on my lips when I saw that. She really is the most precious human; I genuinely have no idea what I would do without her.

>>

"I mean what can I say? I'm just the best." She said, taking a sip from the glass.

"Yes, you are indeed the best part of my life, but no more drinks, give it back." I said, leaning towards her in an attempt to take the glass from her hand, but she was quick enough to toss it in the other hand.

I furrowed my eyebrows getting irritated while she gave me her cheeky smile, closing her eyes as she clearly was super drunk. I sighed, shaking my head. I knew what happens when she gets drunk, so without wasting much time I called her driver to take her home.

"Bruce, don't tell Mr. Grey about her getting drunk again." I said as he helped me, making Claire sit in the car.

He nodded and went towards the driver's seat. "Bye Chloeeee, I love you." Claire sang, giving a flying kiss.

"I love you too. Take her home quickly, Bruce." I said waving at her while James nodded driving away.

I sighed as I watched the car going away, hoping they get home safe. Without wasting another second, my steps shifted towards the parking lot, dragging my feet to my car. Obviously, I was horribly tired so all I was thinking about was reaching home as soon as I could.

My steps became a little calmer as I saw my black beauty at a distance. The area was quiet and I could hear my heels stomping on the floor, loud and clear. But a very sudden uninvited thought came to mind.

"Am I forgetting something?" I said to myself recalling the entire night in order to let go of this uneasiness, I felt for no reason.

I checked my purse. Keys, credit card, perfume, chocolates, lipstick, my phone, Claire's phone, extra cash... wait a minute- why do I have Claire's phone? Why the hell is she so damn careless? I shook my head, sighing. I got an urge to check the club again, because it won't be a surprise if I see her purse lying on one of the couches, though I still decided to make a quick call to Bruce, before and I was right.

"Ms. Claire's bag isn't here, ma'am." He said.

I sighed.

"It's fine, I'll get it." I said, keeping my phone in my purse.

My body ached but I quickly entered the club again. It was almost midnight but the entire place was still crowded, probably even more people came in while I was outside. I faintly remember the place we were sitting at because it was near the corner but all the couches looked identical and it was hard to look for her handbag in the dark. I kept looking when I saw something on one of the sofas.

I bent for a clearer look when I heard someone from behind. "Nice ass." He said.

I stood up straight, rolling my eyes as I shook my head. I then turned around and saw him smirking. I said with a smile on my face, "Thanks. I know."

I turned back, continuing my search but some useless words again left his filthy mouth. "Want to have a drink with me."

"No." I said with an uninterested look.

"One drink won't hurt, honey." He said getting closer to me. The air around him was filled with the strong smell of alcohol. I stepped back, getting irritated.

"Do you not understand what 'no' means?" I said, furrowing my eyebrows.

"Aye feisty, I like it!" He said, holding my wrist as he smiled.

"Leave my hand." I said, in a calm tone.

"Oh come, just one drink." He said smiling as he pulled me with him.

"I said fucking LEAVE MY HAND!" I shouted as I jerked his hand with force, pushing him away.

He looked at me again and while he attempted to reach for my wrist again, I performed my favourite activity.

SLAP!

My fingers almost got printed on his cheek because I knew I hit him very hard. My own palm heated up which was satisfying to feel. He looked at me angrily with his eyebrows furrowed while his hand was placed on his hot red cheek. I raised my left eyebrow, giving him a disgusted look, walking away.

My mood was spoiled and I just wanted to get away from the place. But I heard him again, "How dare you fucking whore!"

I was a few steps away from home when I saw him with a few men standing around him while he said something to them pointing at me. My eyes widened in sudden fear and I knew I was in trouble. Are they going to hit me?

I mean you slapped him as well.

He was being a douche.

But they don't know that.

True. So, what should I do?

Run, you dumbass!

Oh yes! RUN CHLOE!

I ran through the crowd, pushing people aside while I kept looking back and saw them approaching. They were getting closer. My heartbeat increased as I saw them following me. My mind was growing blank and I had no idea what to do. I kept running in an unknown direction because I didn't know where I was heading to.

My mind was in a hustle when suddenly someone pulled me into a dark room. I was standing, facing the wall while the man stood behind me. Yes, it was a man because I could feel his tall figure towering over mine.

"Who are yo-" I tried completing my sentence but he kept his hand on my mouth, shutting me up as he said, "Shh!"

I felt helpless and scared to the core with questions lining up in my head like a trail of continuous fences. Everything was fussing up in my brain and now this stranger was holding me in a dark room alone. Yes, his hand was around my waist and his grip was tight. I could smell his strong cologne which surely seemed expensive.

All I could hear was my heart beating in every part of my body and his breath interrupting every thought that was invading my mind. I was out of ideas and just stood there, in the arms of a person I don't even know. I couldn't even see his face but I could feel his strong arms around me.

It was after a minute or so he whispered in my ear, "Go straight to your car and don't look back. Okay?"

I nodded as his hand was still around my mouth. Then he left me and I did as I was commanded to do. I quickly ran towards my car, though I kept looking around for any danger. I sat in my car and started it quickly, driving away. Taking a deep breath of relief, I realized I neither saw that stranger nor said thanks to him for helping me.

I wish I could meet him.

>>

"Excuse me, Ms. Cameron." I jolted up to a man's voice, coming back to reality.

"Huh- what?" I said, shaking my head slightly.

"Mr. Valentino is asking to meet you." He said.

"Ahh okay." I said, standing up from my seat, following the person.

The man guided me to the cabin door which was a huge wooden piece made with utmost delicacy and sophistication. The door itself echoed this man's power. I was nervous to meet the boss, and this anxiousness increased when I slowly knocked on the door, stepping inside. The room was freezing.

I realized something amazing. The office was almost double the size of my living room. The window was fully made up of glass which covered the far wall of the entire office. The sun rays were making their way inside but I shivered, taking in account of the cold room and perhaps my anxiety.

I looked around when my eyes landed on the reason for the goosebumps. It was not the air conditioner but the owner himself. He was sitting on his huge chair with a phone in his hand, wearing an all-black three-piece suit. Everything about the man was as beautiful as a dream. It felt like a crime looking at him.

His well-defined features and that sharp jawline gave me enough reason to stare, with his light brown hair glowing and one of his large curls falling over his forehead. They were a little messy but still looked perfect. His long eyelashes, almost touching his beautiful and smooth skin. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. I guess he must get used to that, the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way followed by overcompensating with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile.

Of course, the blush that accompanied it, was a dead give-away. I'm sure it made the girls fall for him all the more. His hand was occupied by a gold plated Armani watch which was looking exquisite on his wrist, suiting him. His gaze sent shivers down my spine, yet a clear need to still stare at him was alive in my head. He was the kind who looked effortlessly stunning.

I was staring with so much concentration that I didn't even realise he was asking me to sit. I only noticed him calling me, when he cleared his throat again as he said, "If you are done staring then you may please sit down."

"Huh?" I said, coming back to reality.

"Please have a seat Ms. Cameron." He again said.

Not even the first day and you're already making an amazing score to ruin your non-existent reputation. Fantastic! Blood rushed to my face as my ears heated up, getting embarrassed. I bit my lip trying to cope up with that self-humiliation. I was more upset because I didn't just make a fool of myself in front of my boss, but also an outstandingly handsome man.

I cursed under my breath as I sat on a comfortable sofa right in front of his desk. I saw him looking at me which made me tense. His mere gaze gave me a weird sensation of tickling that could be felt in my stomach. I never felt that way just by someone looking at me. This was something unusual.

He held up a file in his hand and after looking at it he said, "Chloe Cameron. Right?"

When my name left his mouth, he made eye contact with me and I nodded a little. My name had never sounded this sexy ever before, yet it made me anxious.

He kept looking through the file, flipping the pages and after a few seconds he said in his deep voice, "Welcome to the firm Ms. Cameron."

What? That's it? I got the job?

This is the world's shortest interview where the only question asked was the applicant's name.

Not even a proper question, rather a confirmation.

Exactly. Wait, am I in the right place and not in some illegal organization? I genuinely got scared thinking that this can be a possibility. I got so stunned for a minute. His voice was so demanding and scary in a weird way because his calmness gave me goosebumps.

"Any questions?" He said as he kept the file on the table and locked eyes with mine.

I gulped in a big sip of saliva to make my burning throat a little soft as I tried hiding my apple red face. "No, sir." I said in a low voice.

"Well, you will be sitting in my office because I may need you anytime and because your personal cabin is getting renovated." He said and I nodded.

"Now you may go to Zara. All the meetings are fixed for the day. So, you can just understand the work today. Alright?" He said, with absolutely no expression on his face.

I'd rather say, he was totally uninterested. But it's good because he won't bother me much and moreover, I was happy I got a better job with the bonus of a handsome boss, though he has a sculpted face.