BLACK MOON

"Let me go, please" a lady pleaded as she was dragged forcefully by some masked guys

"Shut up! Who told you it's safe at night, especially for ladies like you? A hefty masked man dressed in a black jacket and trousers with red shoes stepped in and yelled loudly. The man has a large deep old cut on his face which gave him this dreadful look. He had this red hat above his scattered black hair. In his hand, lay a short cigarette which he has been smoking since.

"I'm sorry, but please just let me go, I promise not to be late again." She replied trembling greatly with fear.

"Everyone leave at once and Pablo, get me Moon" He growled. The boys left immediately as if their lives depended on it.

Pablo, stood there trembling in fear.

"And what's with you? The hefty masked man from earlier asked.

"Stone! You know how callous and ruthless Moon is, he may have my head if I knock on his door without notice," he replied facing downwards, shivering.

Stone gasped and dialled a number. "Your presence is needed here" he ordered and the person on the other side of the phone hung the call immediately.

"Bastard! He yelled into his phone and sat on his huge black chair.

"What a fine bitch, we got here! He stared at her through his mask seductively as he chuckled. The lady has short blonde hair with oceanic eyes, a fair skin. Her lips glitter and are a bit glossy. She's a bit plump. She couldn't stop shivering. Her eyes were full of terror.

A young masked man stepped in, he wore black throughout with a long black jacket hovering in the wind.

"Welcome! my most trusted gee! He clapped slowly and continued "we saw this damsel wandering around and I thought it wise to bring her to you as my gift for yesterday's operation." He chuckled, massaging his jaw.

"I don't have time for such, Stone. Girls are out of my priorities" the young man whose name happens to be Moon, scoffed while glaring hard at her.

"Seriously?" Stone let out a low laugh and caressed the lady's cheek.

"She has flawless skin, She's endowed. I would have had her for myself, I thought I was being kind." He pushed the lady and she fell, immediately. While he lighted a cigarette.

"If that's why you called me, I will take my leave then." He made to leave but Stone spoke up, making him stop

"Not so fast, Moon! I still have the records here. I can play it anytime I want, to the police and you know things won't be nice." He smirked, twirling a tape.

"That's all you can do, Blackmail!" Moon clenched his fist. "If not, for one thing, you would have been dead by now. Old goat" Moon snarled and turned to him.

"Now come along, I control your every move. With this baby" he kissed the tape and stared at him. "you are powerless" He laughed hysterically and stood up. Coming closer to Moon, he whispered to him.

"Go and do what I instructed, I don't care about your priorities. Lay with the girl or I'll do it myself. You remember Rose!"

Immediately, Moon turned and punched him so hard, leaving him on the floor. "Don't you ever mention her name again!" He yelled with teary eyes.

The guys turned to attack Moon while Stone halted them. He cleaned his busted lip and stood up abruptly as he chuckled.

"She was so sweet, but unfortunately, you know what." He licked his lips and continued laughing.

"Do what's right, Moon." He smirked and left the building while two other guys outside followed him.

Moon facepalmed himself as he remembered Rose. She was his fiancée.

He sighed and moved towards the lady. He stared at her, she was indeed pretty and looked all innocent. Ever since what happened to Rose, he swore never to like any girl. Girls swarm around him but he didn't give a damn. His heart belongs to Rose alone and that's it. He hardly gets sentimental. He's one cold mean gee.

"And what were you doing outside, young lady?" His deep voice came out clearly.

"I...lost track of time, I ...tried getting home early using this shortcut and I was caught." She stuttered shivering in fear.

"I see" he breathed out a sigh, brought out a cigarette and lighted it. He sat down on a seat, crossing his legs.

"Next time, try to be careful!" He ordered.

She nodded in fear.

"And you know why I'm here? He asked.

She became mute for some seconds and finally spoke up" he instructed you to lay with me"

"Hmmm, What should I do? He asked letting out a cloud of smoke. The room became quiet. After a while, she spoke up.

"Please, don't. I beg of you" she pleaded, crawling up to his feet, with her face upon it.

"I don't have time for such and he knows that, he just wants to get on my nerves." He sighed deeply.

"What should I do with you?" he muttered, facing the lady.

"Huh?" She asked

"What do you suggest? I have to prove to the boys outside that I laid with you, they are there to convey information to him. He added.

"Then ...we put up an act" She stuttered, she can't believe that she was discussing with a man sent to rape her.

"Seriously!" Moon half yelled as he spat out his half cigarette.

********

A noise was heard inside. The two guys stood still with the assumption that Moon is making his move on the lady

"That lady is dripping hot," one of the guys said.

"Moon must be having a good time over there, I wish I was him. With the way, he acted like he didn't want to do it, I almost thought he was gay." The second one added

"I can already imagine having the girl in my arms already"

"Snap out of it!" the second guy hit the other one, hard on his head.

Immediately Moon came out pushing the lady. Get going" he yelled

"You weren't even worth the time."

The lady whimpers and kept on leaping to the car. Her clothes were torn exposing some parts. Her thighs were visible and the boys couldn't help but stare lustfully.

"What!" Moon yelled making them shriek in fear.

"Nothing, since you are done with her, can't we have some taste, she looks appetising" He winked and shamelessly licked his lips.

Moon glared hard at him and he kept quiet. "I can see that you don't value your life, you are lucky, I'm with someone, I would've had your head to the dogs.

The guy moved backwards as his flirty face immediately changed to anxiety.

The girl moved out staggering like she was really wounded while Moon headed to his car and zoomed off. After some meters, he met the girl on the way and asked her to hop in. Well, that was the plan. During the drive, the girl felt really uncomfortable which Moon failed not to notice. The ride was a long and boring one as no one spoke to each other

It was 11 pm when they got to his house. He stays in a duplex in an isolated area. He has no neighbours, the closest estate was a mile away. He loves this isolation ever since tragedy struck him.

Even Stone doesn't know his whereabouts. He makes sure that he leaves no trace of himself. Just that Stone was lucky to know his face and that's his identity. Most of the gang do not know.

"You will stay here tonight and first thing in the morning, you leave my premises." He ordered

"Wow" wasn't that the nice man, I was with earlier?" She thought

He was about to alight when the lady interrupted with a "thank you"

She kept playing with her fingers and didn't look up. Moon stared at her and his eyes caught her exposed thighs. He removed his long black jacket and threw it at her.

"Cover up, you are almost naked" he ordered

The girl was shocked, firstly, she didn't expect much generosity from him and he didn't even try to touch her otherwise.

She slowly picked it up and muttered a thank you. He left the car walking towards his door.

"Stacy! that's my name" She yelled to the hearing of Moon. He turned and saw her holding firmly to his jacket as she used it to cover herself.

He turned back towards the door opened it and walked in. The house was built in affluence. Stacy couldn't help but stare.

"Come, let me show you, your room. Just for Tonight" he led her to a luxurious room with ravishing intern decors.

"Woow" Stacy stared at the walls. It seemed like a palace. She turned to him and thanked him.

"You can use the bathroom as well," he said and left for his room.

After two minutes, he came in with a nice gown and dropped it on her bed. Meanwhile, Stacy was in the bathroom.

She came out with a towel wrapped around her, stopping below her knees. She saw the beautiful gown lying on the bed. Woow" she muttered.

She wore the dress and it fitted her perfectly, showing off her curves though it was a little tight. She twirled gleefully and plopped on the bed.

She held her chest breathing heavily. She was happy, she could have been raped, but things took a different turn. Compare to the stories she had heard about rape, hers was too good to be true. Like a fairy tale.

"A damsel in distress saved by a generous masked knight" she spoke lowly and added an air quote while grinning from ear to ear.

"I wonder what he looks like? He had that mask on all day" she thought.

"I bet he will be a young handsome man, wait! What are you thinking Stacy? Snap way out of it. Even if he saved you, he still isn't a good man for associating with such criminals." She spoke to herself. Landing light slaps on her cheeks and tossed on the bed. She turned off the light but couldn't sleep.

What if? Something bad happens. Her mind was unease. She kept on tossing around the bed. She couldn't get the hang of it again. She stood up and went to the window. She lifted the glass and got a clear view of the moon. The environment was lonely, more trees and grass stood by. No sign of any building, this sent shivers down her spine. The river moved gently. Birds perched to take a little drink.

The breeze swooped into her room, lifting her hair. She breathed in the fresh air and gasped.

"Thank you Lord" she muttered.

While gazing at the lonely night, a bat flew directly at her and she hurriedly closed the window, gasping for air.

"Oops! That was way much close" she held her heart. She left her room since she couldn't sleep, getting to the passway. She saw the other 3 rooms in which one of them was opened. She tip-toed to the opened one assuming it would be her knight in shining armour's room.

She peeped and saw a manly figure on the bed. The lamp was still on and the window was slightly open. Beside the bed was the mask, she had stared at all night. Right now, she was convinced that it was "his" room

She gasped. Could it be? She held her mouth. "I could see his face? She thought.

She tip-toed and went towards the bed. Getting there, she marvelled at the sight of whom she has seen.

His face came to view and some of his hair covered his eyes. His eyes were perfectly closed. He looked gorgeous.

"What a god?" She stood beside him admiring his face. Suddenly, her eyes caught his bare skin, and that was when she realised that she had been staring at a shirtless man since. She gasped.

He had no shirt on, his abs became visible and his duvet covered only his waist down to his toes. With a slight peek, his trousers came into view. He had some on. Thank goodness.

Moving her eyes to his face again, she reached to touch his face when he suddenly opened his eyes.

He caught her hand, dragging her to himself and swiftly turned, being on top of her while she lay on the bed. Her eyes widened, staring clearly at his bare manly chest. He pinned her hands on the bed, beside her trunk.

THE CATCH

"What are you doing here?! Moon yelled

"I...I... Stacy stuttered. Her eyes met his blue metallic eyes, piercing hers, waiting for an explanation.

He creased his brow at her making her speak immediately.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help but admire your face." She blushed

"My face?" he asked lowly.

"My face!" he yelled as his hand went to his unmasked face. He stood up abruptly from where he was and faced the window, placing his hand on it with his face down.

"You are not meant to see my face!" He yelled angrily.

She got scared "I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep.

She stood up slowly, picked up the mask and tried handing it to him. With her gaze down.

"Here's your mask, I swear I won't peek"

He yanked the mask off her hands, and turning to her, he gasped and stood akimbo.

"Hey!" He called out.

Stacy couldn't lift her face, she was damn scared to death.

"Hey! Stacy, right? Look up, you have already seen my face, what's with that?" He arched his brow at her.

He moved towards the switch and put it on. His eyes widened at what he saw.

"Rose" he mumbled inaudibly

"What? Stacy asked confused.

He shook his head negatively and facepalmed himself.

"I mean you reminded me of someone, not you, but how fit the cloth is on you, did."

"Ooh? Ok. She kept fidgeting her fingers.

"I wear this mask during operations to prevent people from seeing my face but you...

"Ouch! She muttered

"You snuck into my room and took a little peek, right? He sighed.

"I'm sorry to break it to you but you are gonna be in big trouble if anyone gets to know that you know of my identity. You will be dead." He began pacing around.

"So you never met me, if you see me tomorrow, Remember that you don't know me. You never slept in my house, I never helped you nor talked to you, Don't ever... "

"You are currently talking to me" she mumbled inaudibly.

"What?"

"Nothing" she lifted her face and gestured for him to continue.

"Don't ever talk to me in the future, ok?"

She nodded while staring blankly at him.

"Ok, it's time to sleep, go to your room." He motioned her to move out.

"Can I sleep here?"

"Excuse me?" He asked shocked

"Tsk! I won't deny the fact that your house is damn scary, ish? She rolled her eyes.

"So you can talk? I see. Hmmm," he added.

"Why won't I, not when my life is at stake?

"Your life?"

"Yea, Something might probably happen, I'm slightly scared" she shrugged. "I will gladly sleep on the floor, thank you." She quickly lay on the floor, shutting her eyes.

"Hey, miss! He called out but got no response. "Ok, suit yourself. He plopped on the bed and covered himself with the duvet.

*******

Staring at her while she sleeps. He couldn't help but remember Rose.

She looks so much like her on that dress." He stood up and left the room to get something to eat. While he picked up his plate a memory flashed in his mind as he stared at the living room.

"Jax! Jax! How do I look? Rose called Moon's real name, turning around in a beautiful gown.

"You look stunning" he went close and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

"I specifically picked it for our anniversary. I actually saw the picture on your phone" he said scratching his hair nervously.

"Ooooh, you took a peek at my phone, bad boy" she hit Moon playfully while he dragged her towards him, holding her waist.

"I love you, Rose. Happy anniversary! He said staring at her face.

"I double love you, baby boo! I'm the happiest person in the whole world." She chuckled with their eyes locked on each other.

She leaned closer and kissed him, while he carried her to the room.

"Hey!" Stacy greeted coming down the stairs.

Immediately the plate Moon held fell to the floor, bringing him back to reality.

Stacy rushed him and started picking the pieces.

I'm sorry for the accident" Moon was dumbstruck. He bent immediately and joined her. She kept on picking the pieces until she got a cut.

"Ouch!" She flinched.

"Lemme see" Moon ordered

She slowly brought out her left pinky finger, while he studied it carefully.

"You weren't careful, that's why!" He moved to the shelf and brought out a band-aid.

"I can do it myself" she mumbled but Moon dragged her hand instead. He gently placed the band-aid on the scratch.

Now leave, I'll clear up my mess" he stated picking up the pieces.

Stacy stood up abruptly and sat on the couch.

5 minutes later, he came back.

"It's time to leave. I'll drop you at the main roadside, With this amount, fetch a cab to your destination" he said emotionlessly, keeping some money on the table.

"One thing, Thanks for your care. I really appreciate" she appreciated.

"That doesn't call for gratitu... "Before he could finish. Stacy rushed towards him, hugging him, he stood surprised and didn't hug back. His hands, in his pocket.

"That's all I can do" Stacy stepped back and headed for the door. She stood beside the car waiting for him to come out.

He came out, and stared at her for seconds, observing her, the gown really fits her. He snapped out of it and went towards the car.

*****

"You can leave now" he told Stacy, his hands fixated on the wheel. Stacy alighted and slowly slammed the door. She stood there and watched as the car moved out of sight.

"Thank you" she muttered to no one in particular. She flagged down a taxi, hoping to get home soon.

She called the office, telling them that she won't make it today. She made use of her sick leave, that's her only option. She never jokes about her job, she has won employee of the month countless times and is still at the forefront. Taking a sick leave won't be much of a problem. Lying on the bed, she slept.

Picking up her disturbing land phone, Stacy sluggishly placed it on her ear.

"Hello" she mouthed slowly

"Babe! I've been calling for ages, what happened to your phone? I had to go to my contact book to get this damn old number." Her best friend sounded concerned from the other side of the phone.

"Are you sick? You didn't even call me to tell me that you won't be at work today, I was patiently waiting since morning but I perceived something to be wrong when I didn't see you throughout the day" she breathed out.

"Bethany, I'm sorry, I haven't been myself since yesterday" Stacy replied slowly. " I'll make it up to you, I promise" she whined.

"No need, I'm already at your doorstep, come open up"

"What? Stacy rushed out, opening the door. She saw Bethany In front of the door.

"Hi", she greeted and got her way in while Stacy followed suit.

Bethany slumped on the fluffy couch, picked up the remote and switched on the TV. "Good morning Stacy, jeez! You look worn out and pale. What's popping? She asked with her eyes fixated on the TV.

"A lot happened" Stacy replied "but I'm fine, I'll tell you every single detail later. I promise." She stood up and went towards the refrigerator. She brought out a can of yoghurt with two glass cups.

"Here we go!" Stacy's lips curled up to a smile as she dropped the youghurt on the glass icy table infront of Bethany.

"And where are my pancakes?" Bethany asked grabbing the can as she poured the substance into the glass cup.

"I couldn't get myself to do it this morning." Stacy explained as she turned to the TV. She took a glass of already filled yoghurt sipping it gently.

"Someone bought our company from Mr Vin." Immediately, Stacy spat out the yoghurt, she took in earlier. What? Her eyes widened

"Yeah, Yeah. Mr Vin will still be there, but not the owner again. Something happened. I heard that the new owner is a young attractive man and he will be coming tomorrow." Stacy's gaze was at Bethany as she listened attentively to what her best friend was blabbing.

"So, we were instructed to dress our best tomorrow, that's the new gist in town. I'm sure picking my best gown." Bethany chuckled and gulped down her yoghurt.

"You are not serious, they said we should dress well. I hope you don't have ulterior motives, hmmm, I gat my eyes on you." She pointed two of her fingers to her eyes and then to Bethany.

"It's late already, I'll get going" Bethany stood and moved swiftly to the door. Stacy followed suit. "See ya on your best outfit babe" Bethany winked and stepped out. "Bye! She yelled.

"Thanks for the info! Bet, you will take the stage tomorrow, of course" she chuckled and slammed her door.

She went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth and refreshed herself. Entering her room, she went straight to her wardrobe. "We gat to dress our best!" She sighed and started checking out her outfits.

"Yeah! This one will be good, I just want to look simple and sleek."

She yawned and brought out the cloth. She was so tired. The rack wasn't far away. She selected a pair of shoes, heels specifically, not really high.

Leaving her closet, having taken care of her clothes. She took a cake from the refrigerator along with juice for dinner.

"Tomorrow is going to be a big day"

*********

"Drop the files! Clear the tables, did you call in the cleaners this morning? There's no time, we've got only 30mins before the new CEO arrives. Go! Go! Go!..." A young man in a suit kept on yelling, jamming his hands together.

"Good morning Jeremy" Stacy greeted the man giving orders earlier on.

"Good morning Ms Stacy dear" his serious face suddenly began beaming with smiles. "Sorry for your health, I hope you are now better?" He asked.

"Yes, you know today's the big day" she shrugged with a smiley face. " I'll get going to the office, see you later" she headed towards the stairs as different people roamed around attending to different activities.

"Wooow, wooow! Stacy, you look gorgeous! Bethany yelled seeing Stacy.

Stacy wore a plain grey skirt which stopped right below her knees with a white shirt and low silver heels.

"Jeez, Bet, I'm flattered" she replied grinning from ear to ear.

"We have got less than 30mins, everybody hurry up!" Jeremy yelled.

"Oops' I'll be going up"

"Down! Bethany added.

Stacy rushed to her office, arranged her table and started working on some documents.

*******

All employees should assemble in the hall room, right now!

All employees should assemble in the hall room, right now!

Hearing the loud voice, all the employees rushed to the hall room.

*I think the new CEO is here.

*Woow, everyone is looking his or her best.

Immediately, a luxurious car stopped in front of the company. A young man in a tuxedo stepped out. He had black shades on, dusting himself he moved into the company.

Everyone's eyes widened. The ladies held their mouths in disbelief.

*He's ravishing!

*Can I still concentrate on my work with him in the picture?

He looks familiar" Stacy muttered inaudibly. "Let him remove his black shades first," she thought

Moving in, he went straight to Vin who stood close to the entrance door to welcome him.

Greetings Mr Jason, we are honoured to meet you. If you won't mind" Mr Vin gestured him inside.

The employees stood at the left and right sides creating a large space in the middle.

Mr Vin hurriedly caught up to him. Four people stood Infront. Mr Jason stopped while Mr Vin began his introduction.

"This is Ms Susan, the manager"

"Mr Philip, the personal assistant"

"Mr Jeremy, the director"

"And lastly Ms Stacy, the secretary and best employee of last month and years."

Jason removed his black shades at the sight of Ms Stacy. Stacy stiffened Immediately she saw his face.

"Could it be her? Shit, it's definitely her." He stared at her emotionlessly and moved on with Mr Vin as he led him to different places in the company.

Stacy excused herself, with her heels hitting the hard tiles. She entered the bathroom feeling shocked, staring at the mirror.

"Him? Him? Why him? She bats her lashes. "It shouldn't be, he was kind but I don't want to see him again, Now I'm going to be working as his secretary? Jeez," she facepalmed herself and turned, slightly leaning on the sink.

Immediately, someone entered and she flinched. She greeted her and left the bathroom.

She went to her office and slumped on her seat. "This is work, that was then, he said I shouldn't talk to him, then that's what I would do.

After a few hours, Jeremy entered the office. "Stacy! You are needed in the meeting room in less than 5mins. We will be having our first meeting with the new CEO." He said and left.

Stacy picked up her laptop and some other stuff and zoomed off to the hall.

Few people were seen entering the hall, within seconds, the board members were already seated.

Mr Vin walked in with the new CEO and Stacy couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly.

Jason sat down and adjusted his suit. He cleared his throat and spoke"

"Good day everyone, as you all know I'm the new CEO but I haven't officially introduced myself. I'm Mr Jason Derrick aka Jax.

"Before we go on, I will like to make some things clear to you all. All prosperous organisations abide By norms and ethics. So shall we."

"I will give all old employees a chance, any unruly behaviour found among the old employees will be questioned or worse the particular employee fired." He kept on with the declarations while Stacy took down all necessary information.