Chapter 4 ROSE

Rose

The warmth of the early morning sun and the excited chatter of birds woke me up from my slumber, and I rolled over, luxuriating in the feel of the softest sheets I've ever felt in my life under my skin.

Even the sheets smelled like...

Sin, chocolate, sex, and sandalwood.

My eyes bolted open and I sat up straight in panic.

The sheets fell from my naked body, baring my breasts to the sun.

I instantly snatched it up, only for my progress to be stopped by a heavy weight, weighing down the cloth.

My eyes widened in horror when I saw the strange man lying down with his eyes closed next to me, snoring peacefully.

I scrambled out of the bed in shock, not caring that I was half naked and however, that was on the other side of the clear, floor-to-ceiling windows could see my bare ass cheeks.

I was too busy trying to rack my brain for a memory of who this strange dude was but anything from the previous night was a blur.

I tried to take a step further but I nearly fell flat on my face from the sudden headache that pounded through my skull, threatening to break it down the middle.

Speaking of the previous night, I managed to squint through my half-closed eyelids, searching for my bag, purse, shoes...anything.

I snagged a discarded bathrobe off the floor, wrapping it around my body while I stumbled into the bathroom.

The harsh white lights were terrible on my head, making me wince as I tried to splash water on my face.

I was even more horrified by my expression in the mirror. My mascara had run over, giving me raccoon eyes- not in a sexy way- and my hair was stringy and damp. I even smelled faintly of liquor.

Jesus H Christ, what the hell happened to me last night?

I got answers when I emerged from the bathroom taking another door that led to the living area, seeing three empty wine bottles as well as whipped cream, cheese, a half-empty Ores packet, and rose petals.

No wonder last night was a blank.

I finally managed to locate my phone buried in between couches, which was buzzing like crazy.

It was Lauren.

"Oh, my God! Do you want to give me a heart attack?!" She screamed into the phone, making my head throb. "I've been trying to reach you all night but you weren't picking up. I was so worried."

Twinges of guilt crept up my body. "I'm sorry. It turns out I was shit-faced drunk."

I'm just glad you're okay." She blew out a breath of relief. "So, are you coming back anytime soon so you can get ready?"

"Ready for what?" I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

Lauren scoffs disbelievingly. "You're joking, right? Please don't tell me you forgot that you have your interview/ job to start today."

I freeze, slapping the heel of my palm on my forehead. "Crap, I forgot!"

I immediately searched around for my clothes, jumping into them as I spoke on the phone.

I heard a thump sound from the other room, and panic set in.

I desperately wanted to avoid an awkward morning-after situation, so I did the only thing a girl in my situation could do.

I bolted.

Dashed right out of his apartment, into another world of luxury and gleaming gold floors.

Just how drunk was I yesterday, because nothing seemed familiar as I walked past.

Thankfully, the doorman was occupied with much more pressing things to look my way, so I slipped out into the street unnoticed.

It took me twenty minutes to hail a cab and direct it towards Lauren's apartment.

Checking the time, I had less than an hour to dress, freshen, and head over to my new job at Kings Industries.

The interview was just a formality to get familiar with HR before I was assigned to my workspace.

"Finally! I've been waiting." Lauren received me with open arms, before rapidly drawing back and holding her breath.

"Do I stink that bad?" I sniffed at my armpits. "I thought-"

"No time." She pushed me into the bathroom, yelling from behind closed doors. "I made breakfast to-go, and brought out a set of outfits for you to choose from."

My heart swelled with love. "Have I told you how much I love you recently?"

"Just shower!" She yelled.

I chuckled, obeying her command. In less than ten minutes, I was out feeling like a new human being.

I scarfed down half of my breakfast, popping in two aspirins and I randomly selected outfits before I dashed out the door again.

The whole morning went by so fast, it made my heart spin.

I pushed in the massive doors of the King Industries building, a pep in my step.

The receptionist was a bubbly, petite blond girl with her hair packed into a tight bun. "How may I help you?"

"I'm here for my job." At the lady's blank face, I got the hint and searched through my purse for the rumpled-up mail delivered to me, sliding it on the counter. "Here."

She cautiously opened it up, reading the contents. "You'll need to meet with Ms. Bee. First door down the right."

I followed her directions, meeting a door half ajar.

I knocked once, the movements making the door swing open. "Hi."

A stern-looking middle-aged woman sat down behind a huge desk, glasses perched on her nose. The plaque on her desk read 'Madame'

Those cold eyes moved up and down my body.

"Who're you?"

"I'm Rose Hill. I was sent an acceptance letter and was told to show up here today."

A spark of recognition in her eyes. "Ah, yes. Please sit."

I did as instructed, folding my hands primly on my lap while I waited.

"It was stated here that you've got experience as a marketing executive and an assistant?" Madame asked, those pale eyes all too knowing.

"Yes."

"It's settled then. You'll be the person assistant/ secretary to the boss, Bishop King." She stated, watching me for a reaction but I was at a loss.

I think...

Why did that name sound familiar?