Duality of lust

CHAPTER ONE

ASSAULT

LAUREN'S POV

I shot up from my seat immediately I heard the sound a bag pinned shut.

"May, are you going already?" I asked surprised. I thought we both agreed to work overtime.

"Yes I am. I am not feeling so well. I need more rest, I have to go. But ..." she picked up the large file on her desk and dropped it In front of mine making a puppy eye at me.

"You will help a sister with this won't you?" She pouted like a child.

"Well I have quite some..."

"Great. I knew you would accept. Thank you Love. You are always the best," and she was out the door before I could finish my statement.

I heaved, looking at the books on my table. Three ginormous piles of paperwork and all were due tomorrow. I took one glance around, the whole office has been deserted, I was the only one left.

I slipped on my chair.

'They always do this to me. How I wish I was Nina and could say NO so boldly, but instead i just let people shit unto me.'

I sighed in sadness, lifting my self off the chair.

First things first, let me lock the office door so I will be sure no one can come in unless I open it. I didn't want anyone to barge in tomorrow and see me sleeping and drooling like last time, it was so frustrating.

My legs moved sluggishly moved to the door as I inserted the key into where it belonged and turning it when i heard a voice from behind.

"Why are you locking the door?"

My heart skipped a beat, I turned immediately, back on the door, my hand on the knob.

Brown eyes on a pale sculpted face with a prim and proper posture reminding me of boycotts, it was my boss, Mr Gane.

I fought my fright 'What is he doing here? I thought he went out with the rest.'

"Sir, you startled me." I said, holding my chest trying to calm my fast beating heart.

"I am sorry, I got flustered, I thought the security man was locking me in. I didn't know you were here working over time again." His voice was tender and soothing.

I was always scared by the way he talked, like he was a descended saint..

"i'm sorry I honestly didn't know you were still here."

"Its ok."

Silence reigned between, I went to my desk deciding to continue my work since there is nothing else to do, then he came to me, looking at the papers.

"Why don't you like to go home early," his hands went to tuck my loose hair behind my ear feeling uncomfortable, I pulled away sharply.

"No reason sir." I said nervously, looking about for my pen, his gaze trained on me making me fidget on seat.

I attempted to rise from my chair, but he grabbed me by my shoulders and pushed me back. Before I could comprehend what was going on, he walked towards me, the desk no longer serving as an obstruction between us, the smile on his face made it seem like nothing was wrong or better still, weird.

"You always running Green. Did I do anything wrong?" he whispered into my ears seductively causing me to gulp.

I'm only nineteen years, all I want is to clear my father's debt, I don't have any time for a relationship.

"Sir. I would like to con.. tinue my work," I stuttered pointing at the files stacked on my desk.

He looked at them with disdain in his face.

"If you were with me, you wouldn't have to do all this."

I gulped. I am defiantly not dumb, I can tell what he is trying to do. Being alone with him looks dangerous, I better look for a way to run before anything happens.

"Sir, I need to go to the bathroom."

I struggled to hide my fear, as I fidgeted my fingers trying to stand up.

His eyes went beneath my belt, checking my well endowed hips, which only made me more anxious and self conscious.

"I wonder how much that little bladder can hold," he sat on the desk, pushing the files to the ground, then yanked me by the waist locking me between his legs.

My eyes widened with realization, he was actually trying to touch me, i somehow managed to wriggle out of his grip and tried to run away but he was faster and grabbed me by the hair pulling me back.

Before I could regain my composure, the next thing I saw was the flash of a hand collide with my face and i crashed against face against the floor, I could feel the metallic taste of blood in my mouth, the hit must have been fatal.

By the time i recovered and looked up, he was already hovering over me, eyes constricted with fear as i tried to use my hands to move backwards i needed to run away from him, before something more is done.

"You shouldn't have ran. I don't like it when the girls run," he sneered with clear anger in his voice.

I watched him, fumble with his waist and pulling out his belt, his trousers sagged, making my heart beat fast, this can't be happening.

"You should not run away again okay," he flung the belt and slammed it on my back.

The pain cut through me, at once, causing me to scream, it hurt a lot.

The desperation and fear of my situation surged adrenaline through my vein. I sprang up and kicked him right in the groin.

He grabbed his dick immediately groaning as he fell to his knees in pain. I used the opportunity to run past him to the door. Touching my pocket, I tried searching for the keys, the moment i found them, I took it out, looking for right key for the lock, and looking back at the same time, afraid that Mr Ganes will get back on his feet, and just when he was about to stand up i successfully opened the door and sprinted out.

Before I knew it I was on the last floor of the company, breathing heavily.

My phone, my bag, the paperwork, everything left behind in the office as I burst into the dark streets of Milano. It felt so much like he was behind me. I kept running until, my body began to fail me and I could no longer keep up with my original speed, my legs feeling tired, I stopped panting with my hands on my knee, i slammed my back on the fence of an old house, slipping to the neat pavement beneath my feet.

My body was shivering as my chest rose and fell. I hugged my knees and started crying; he could have raped me. This is the last. I would not take his actions again. I would take no one's actions again.

Heaven was on my side, a taxi driver racing home saw me crying on the floor. He came to me and helped me up. He asked me what happened and I told him, sincerely, that I had just managed to escape rape.

He felt pity on me and asked me where I lived offering to give me a ride. I told him and he dropped me off In front of the house.

I told no one at home what happened. If I did, Madison would find a way to make it look like it's my fault and dad just suffered bankruptcy, he didn't need more stress.

I resolved that night; I would report him and every one else, Tomorrow but nothing prepared me for what I was about to see what I got to the office.

All my things on my desk in boxes, a white letter on top of it, everyone looking at me with a smug expression and news on the notice board that my boss was just promoted.

My breath shook, my hands quivered as I held the paper.

"Oh my God, that bastard fired me!"

CHAPTER TWO

SOME TIME BEHIND BARS

LAUREN'S POV

'What is this? Wait, this isn't right. I am a victim of his harassment, why am I getting fired instead?'

I stared at the letter in horror, still trying to process everything, Why would I be sacked? I did nothing wrong, there is no valid reason to be sacked.

I heard giggles and murmurs behind causing tears to well up in my eyes, I was being mocked despite the fact I loved every one in this office dearly, and helped them all when they need me, even going as far doing their jobs for them, yet the best thing they could do is to laugh at me and mock me.

'No' I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand, I shouldn't cry, I must not cry.

I have to see someone, the Manager, the CEO, anyone. I could not accept this.

Storming out of the office while ignoring the stares I got, i headed towards the stairs with fierce determination in my eyes.

I am a first class student in accounting. I came to this company with a CV and I was admitted out of credit. I earned this job with my merit and didn't have to bribe anyone to get here.

It was specified in the contract I signed that my job here is secured so what exactly does the letter mean?

My hand swung angrily on the door of the manager. Banging really hard. His secretary opened it immediately with a frown on her face on seeing it was me but that isn't my main purpose of being here.

"What the hell..."

But I had stormed past her, brushing my shoulder against her as I marched into the office angrily.

"Mr. Clay I have somethin-" my words stopped immediately there is an additional person in the office apart from the manager, a mysterious man sat the Manager's chair turning only after hearing my voice and it turned out to be Mr Ganes.

"Lauren have you no manners, leave here now," the secretary cautioned with anger in her voice as she grabbed me by the wrist trying to pull me away.

"No, let her talk. She is here already." The sultry voice of the manger halted his secretary movement, I heard her release a sigh before leaving the room, in my opinion, she seemed quite eager to throw me out.

I was still frozen from the shock as my heart suddenly beating so fast and sweat covering my forehead, I am extremely nervous, the person i wanted to report was sitting right there in the office.

"Miss Green, Do you mind explaining why you came in to my office in such a rude manner," that manger asked, crossing his legs. Mr Ganes stared at me too and I felt he was trying to look into my soul, I tore my gaze from him gathering some courage to speak.

"I... I... I came to report M... m," i stuttered playing with my fingers.

'God i'm stuttering, Please help me' I prayed silently, I had to do this in order to keep my job.

"Miss Green, did a cat cut your tongue?" he threw me an intimidating gaze. I felt like I grew smaller almost immediately, I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out from them.

'lauren talk. Talk you, open your mouth.'

My self motivation worked too well, because when I finally spoke, I began to regret why i even came here.

"Mr Ganes molested me and tried to" I blurted out finally letting go of the burden on my chest as i let out held my breath, the two men just stared at me like i was some alien before proceeding to burst into laughter.

My brows scrunched up together watching them laugh like it was a joke, I stared in wondering if i missed something.

"It's not funny," I whispered feeling hurt almost sounding like a child, but instead they laughed harder, with my words having no effect on them.

The sound of their laughter filtered into my ears and tears welled up my eyes as I felt a pang of pain in my chest, this isn't fair.

When they finally stopped laughing, the manager spoke.

"Miss Green, I know you want the Assault Compensation money but coming here to blurt this out immediately we put up the sign- it's a little too cheap don't you think?" the manger spoke with a smile that made her feel like a whore.

'Compensation, I don't know about any such thing, i just want justice.' i said within me gripping the hem of my shirt.

"I am not here because that. I am serious, he really did it, It happened last night, i swear it." I defended my self with my voice quivering at the thought of not being trusted.

The men started laughing instead at my defense.

"This is no reason to be laughing, I'm serious." I clenched my hands together hoping they will take me seriously.

The manger comported himself a little and looked at me.

"Okay, let's say you are right. Is it the first time? do you have any evidence, and witnesses to testify for you?" He asked looking directly at me.

I gulped, there was no such thing, no one was there when it happened, I told no one, and also the office had no surveillance, how will i get them to believe me now?

I lowered my head and muttered

"No."

"But if these things were in place he wouldn't have tried to, I'm telling the truth her." I immediately added hoping my explanation will make sense to the manager but it was hopeless, they both started laughing at me once more, it seems I'm doomed and bound to lose my job this time around.

"Secretary Sharp." The manager called through the telecom sitting on his desk and the lady appeared behind me almost immediately.

"Please escort Mrs. Green out." He ordered and then the lady grabbed my hand dragging me outside when I caught the winning grin on Mr Ganes face.

'Wait, so this is it, I was going to suffer for some one else's crime, just like that?'

My mind went blank, the last thing I remember was throwing the hot coffee on the table at the face of Mr. Ganes face at least to wipe that stupid grin of his face and then the police leading me in cuffs to their car.

For the first time in my life, I was behind the iron gates of prison.

The police kept me there for about an hour before the same manager came and withdrew the charge saying they wouldn't want to hurt a mentally ill girl. I was utterly powerless to even defend my self so I sat in the cellar crying.

Later, a police woman came for me. Banging her bat on the gate.

"Get up little girl, its time to go home."

I looked at her with the tears in my eyes.

"Get up already."

This time around I decided to obey her orders then stood up, She unlocked the gate and lead me out of the station. One of the police cars were already outside waiting for us. She opened the back door for me and entered. She went to the front, started the car.

"Where is your house little one?" She asked looking at me through the mirror.

"28, Nigels." I muttered weakly. I was drained so much I could barely speak.

"Alright," she wheeled into the Road.

"Hey little one. How did you end up in a cellar?" She asked after a while.

"None of your business," I said.

"I guess so," she sounded disappointed but still continued talking.

"You ain't the first girl they brought to the station. And my guess is they wronged you too. Well, the cops can't touch them, talk more of you. I suggest you stay away from them. They are very bad news." Her voice was serious as she warned me, while i listened half heatedly, i don't have any plans on going back anyways.

She parked the car in front of the house and waited for me to get off, before zooming away.

I went to the gate and pressed the button, waiting patiently as the bell rang inside followed with the gate door opening.

A young girl in a blue track suite answered the gate with a bold smile on her face.

Sadly, it wasn't my boss' assault, or the sack letter or my time behind the cellar that brought me all my troubles.

All my problems began when she swung that gate open and I fell into her arms for a hug.

CHAPTER THREE

NINA HAS CHANGED

LAUREN'S POV

"Oh you look like a mess," Nina peeled me away from her body pegging her nose staring at me with a tinge of disgust in her eyes.

"You reek too. Where have you been and what has life done to you?" She asked me shaking her head sideways with disappointment.

"I just had the worst two days of my life, Nina, i'm exhausted and all i need right now is rest.'' I sank into the couch sighing sadly.

"No, no, no..." she rushed me, pulling me up almost immediately.

"Shower before my couch starts smelling like you." She pointed to the direction of the shower which I was well acquainted with.

I smiled weakly and she gave me a gentle encouraging pat on the back.

Nina is my friend, and we have been best friends for as long as i can remember, at this moment it felt like she is the only one that can accept me without queries, after what happened in the office.

"Go cool off, okay." Her soft caring voice warmed my heart causing me to smile softly, I nodded and moved towards the shower, at the corner, the side of my eyes caught Nina rushing for perfume to spray the room.

That was weird, did I stink that bad?

I sniffed myself but didn't notice any bad smell coming from me, Well Nina is a clean freak so her reaction is somewhat understandable.

I wandered off and went into the shower, The cool water helped me cool down a lot and by when I was done bathing, Nina gave me her own clothes but there was nothing she owned that was not super revealing, so in the end, I wore bum shorts and an old polo she had forgotten about.

We sat back in the living room, she served me a plate instant noodles which is surprising because Nina loved to cook.

"You didn't cook today?" I voiced out, unable to lock my curiosity in.

"Oh no," she responded from the where she sat.

"Any problem?" She added with a corked brow.

"No," I replied, choosing to ignore it, it didn't matter either ways.

"I'm watching my weight, you see." She said awkwardly, as she scratched her hair with a flushed face.

"You look like a broom stick Nina. Every girl needs some flesh." I answered seeing no need for dieting again.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Easy for you to say, you have got hips, girls like me need to be slim to look good."

Her Anorexia Nervosa was back again, I thought.

"Well, Enough about me, what happened to you, really?"

I heaved sadly.

"That deal, dad eventually took it and just like I had suspected, they were thieves. They took everything, Dad went bankrupt. I have been trying to raise the money for him to kick start the business. But I got sacked today"

"Sacked?!" Her eyes opened wide with shock.

"Why? you earned that job. They said job security, I read that stuff with you," she explained in disbelief.

"Well you can see that it just for the paper. I don't want to talk about it right now. I just want to rest," I closed my eyes, resting my head on the couch.

"What about settling your dad's debt?" she asked with a hint of desperation in her voice. At least that what I thought I noticed.

"I know. I know everyone is depending on me to fix this, but what do I do, Nina. I have tried my best, but at the moment i am just tired."

She went silent after that forcing me to look her way, and when she noticed my gaze, she forced a smile at me.

"I know but why did they fire you. Something must have happened."

"I don't know why. All I know is that yesterday, our department manager molested me even going as far as trying to rape me. And today, I was sacked. And guess what, he got promoted instead. He is going to be manger of a new branch soon." I said dryly feeling devastated remembering what happened.

"Didn't you report, You know, tell them what happened?" She inquired causing me to sigh.

"I did, I went straight to the manager's office and I reported what happened, you know what they did?" i said unable to hide the disgust in my voice.

She shook her head indicating no.

"They laughed. They freaking laughed. I was almost forced upon by a maniac and they thought it was funny. The stupid Mr. Ganes was there too and he laughed too."

Nina eyes were fixed in me in bewilderment.

"Crap, that sucks. But you... maybe you should have not been so head strong."

I raised an eyebrow and looked back at her again.

"What did you say?" My voice was stern.

"I mean," she tried to pick the pieces of my trust she was breaking.

"I meant, you know how these men can be. I mean they like girls you know. You should have at least accepted. Maybe not the forced one but you know, I mean I bet he wants just a one time thing. Its not like it's your first time or anything. It's would ju..."

I was staring wide eyed at her. The bullshit she was blurting out.

"Wait is it... are you still a virgin?"

I nodded.

She scoffed and seemed to recollect herself because her words became tender like the Nina I knew before.

"Well, I'm glad you didn't yield, those sick twisted men, I'm sorry about what I said, i just felt bad for your situation and all. I got a little bit frustrated, you know us who don't have a job, talk more of one as high paying as your, it's just a bit... em,"

"No need to explain. I am not upset. You are right. I should have tried harder to keep my job although I don't want to ever do it that way," I said weakly.

"Yh exactly," she spoke cheerfully.

Silence fell for a while before I broke into it

"I need a job desperately, Nina. I have to pay Father's debt before those loan sharks come after him."

"You are really in need right?" She asked in a strange way.

"Yes I am. I will do anything Right now. I don't want to be the disappointment Madison is always saying I am." I breath shook, I was about to cry again.

Nina got up from the cushion and went inside. She stayed a little while and then came out.

She walked to me and waved a card on my face.

I sat up and took it.

"The job pays well. Two million per night."

My jaw dropped.

'Shit, that was my entire salary for eight years'

"What kind of job is this?" I looked directly at her. She threw her eyes away.

"It's a hostess work. Some billionaires throwing a party. You just need to serve wine and entertain guests. I have done before but they only accept you once. They don't allow the same set of persons to come again." She said it proudly.

"This sounds like prostitution."

"Oh, please, do I look like a prostituted to you? A hostess just serves okay. It's like working at a bar. And frankly, I am a bar girl by the way before you start thinking am selling you off for prostitution," she said in disgust.

"But still... "

"You know what," she stood up Immediately.

"You asked me for help and I have given you all the help I can. I am your friend and I would only want the best for you and that's what I have done. If you like take the job or drop it. Am sure you will always find a good option before... I don't know, three days from now when your father's loan become due for pay back."

And she stormed out of the room before I could say anything.

My eyes went back to the card. What on earth do I do.

I pondered on it for hours eventually I decided. I picked up my phone and dialed the number.

"My name is Lauren. I was giving a card concerning a programme you are holding and I will like to accept the job.''