Icy Shots on a Hot Billionaire

Selena's POV:

"Jeez! Would you watch where you walk for a change?!" The hot brown content snakes down my shirt and skirt, drawing out a monster on me. Why am I always met with such accidents?

"Sorry... I didn't mean to... I was on my... Let me help you." A nice lady in her early forties says, flustered on the event she caused, looking for something in her purse to give me.

"I-It's okay... Sorry for yelling... I'm about to have an important meeting and this happens..." I take a napkin from a near empty table and I'm trying to clean myself a bit while the woman gives me one, too. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"I'm really sorry. It's my fault. I was reading my emails and didn't see you. Here, let me pay for the cleaning." She gets her wallet out, trembling a bit. That's strange. I know I have a killer look when I get mad, but I'm not a pulling-out-hair bitch. She didn't see me? I'm no skinny one. I'm a 16 size for some loose 'fabrics' and 18 for others. Whatever... She looks nice and sorry.

"No, I don't need that. Thank you. Let's forget about it. I'm late for my meeting. Bye-bye." I give her a quick smile and start to the café's toilet to see the damage in plain sight. The lady's saying something to me in the background, but I don't have time for other apologies and pleads for amends.

I enter the bathroom like a storm, scaring a young lady that is grooming at the mirror. I shoot a smile at her. "Someone spilled coffee on me." I say like she cares about that. She gives me a weird look, packs her things and goes out, leaving me alone. "Jesus Christ! How am I going to clean all this?" My shirt, the front of my suit jacket, and skirt in diagonal are a mess. I've seen it earlier, but to see it in the mirror it's pure horror. My phone is buzzing. "Great! Just great!" I get out my phone from my purse. It is Marta, my secretary. Yeah, I'm a Marketing Manager at a big company, Donahue Estate Development. It's my first month and meeting a big client today. He's such a big of a client that some other four managers from our company are going to attend the meeting. I take the call, fanning under my lips.

"You're running late! The client is here! Jesse's in heats around him! The Big Wolf is asking for you to take the meeting for presentation! Where are you?" The Big Wolf is our 34-year-old playboy CEO. A muscled model with fine Greek God features, wavy black short hair, hazel eyes and exciting every girl that lays eyes on him. He's always in an expensive tailored suit. Not me though. Jesse is the Planning Manager and the one that must have all the hot guys. The client must be hot.

"I'm at the coffee shop across the street. Haven't slept all night, working. And someone spilled her entire coffee all over me. What am I going to do?" I send another look into the mirror, giving me cold shivers down my spine.

"What? Are you kidding? You should be here in five! They're on to the meeting room!" She's freaked out. If I lose my chair, she's out, too. I hired her.

"But he's earlier! It's seven-thirty! The meeting was at eight!" I'm sure it's at eight.

"I sent you a message last night. They changed it at seven-thirty. The guy is apparently besties with the Big Wolf, and they want to go and see a new land for investment together, after the meeting. Oh!" Why am I getting angry at this pause? "I didn't send you the..."

"Marta?!" She always does that! She's young and she's learning. She's 21 and having a new boyfriend. She's aloof, making everything hard for me sometimes. But she's diligent to learn, so I don't want to fire her.

"Sorry! I'll make some excuses and you come as fast as you can!" And she abruptly ends the call. No, she didn't!

My head is spinning, I'm sweating, and I could kill someone for real at this point. I'm still in the 'testing' period on my position. I haven't had problems so far, but this could be one. I take my purse and go out of the bathroom, on through the tables, turning around some heads at my sight for how I look with all the coffee on me, and go out. I really don't feel embarrassment at this point. I see a clothes shop nearby and that's my target.

"Hi!" I approach the lady there who gives me a weird look all over. "Do you have women's suits like this one?" I'm pointing at the one I'm wearing.

"Not one that would be on your size, unfortunately." I hate it when they say that. At least she doesn't flash me the grimace of 'you are fat'. "But we do have some casual clothes that might fit you well." That's a savior right there. "Would you want to try them?"

"Of course! Just give them to me! I'm pretty late for an important office meeting! I really need your help!" I kind of yell a bit because I feel like I'll faint if I'm too late for the meeting. She gives me a warm smile.

"Follow me then." She takes me to the changing room. "Wait here. I'll bring them right away. Any preferred color?"

"Black or dark blue. Thank you so much!" I smile at her with all my face but having a drummed heart.

After a few minutes, she comes back with black leggings in an office style, a black top having a dropped cleavage, office style again, and an over the bottom black jacket with one golden button to close it. Fine material and trendy for businesswomen. I wonder if I'll fit in those and how much are those going to cost. Never mind. I'll try them.

I dress up in a minute, at least that's what I want to think it has been, and look at myself in the mirror.

"Can I see it?" The lady says outside the changing cabin. I open the door for her to give me the look. "Wow! You're so hot in those! You look amazing! Why do you wear that ugly suit?! That's a keeper on you!" She puts her hands over her mouth like she is Cinderella's Godmother and genuinely smiling over my transformation. Yeah, I look pretty hot for my figure. Don't you think I'm the kind that has bulging fat. No. I have a defined S-shape figure (though I'm fat as I'm no Victoria Secret Angel), with a cute butt out, some breasts, not big ones, but they're there, thick thighs and nice legs overall. I'm not a model, I know, but I'm OK. I do have a bit of belly out.

"So, I'm passable?" I really don't want to make a wrong impression in the company, going out there with my fat screaming through my clothes. I do see it's a perfect match on me, but a second, more objective, opinion is always welcomed.

"You're more than passable! You look like on a magazine! But let your hair loose like this and you're a doll!" She takes out my hair band and arranges my hair. "There! Everything's perfect now!"

"Great! I trust and thank you! Let me pay it quickly!" I give her my dirty clothes as she has asked me and go with her at the cashier's desk. She puts my clothes in a shopping bag, takes the tags from the clothes on me, registers and swipes my credit card. Well, office credit card. I'll have the accountant take a hit-and-run over me, but I'll deal with that later.

"Here you go! Wish you good luck on your meeting!" She gives me everything and smiles.

"Thank you! Hope it will go well! You have a coffee from me later! Bye!" I rush out like crazy from the store and send a glance on my phone. 7:55. Shit!

In five minutes, I'm at the elevator to go to my office's floor which is the tenth floor. The receptionist and the security guard say 'hello', but I just wave at them as I'm super late. Finally, I'm at my floor with Marta waiting for me at the elevator with my file and laptop.

"Give me those. Here's everything. The Big Wolf is upset. I'll be there, too. Go!" She gives me a look with a smirk when she realizes what I'm wearing and pushes me to go. "He's not going to be so upset anymore." She grins. He's going to be murderous in stares... I fucking know that... And the yelling will be present... It's how he is... It's my fucking luck for the day seemingly... Yeah...

I go with quick steps to the meeting room, already hearing Jessie's high-pitched voice, sweet-talking what I think is the client. I knock on the door and enter. Everyone stops talking and all eyes are on me. Derek Donahue, our CEO, has the chair with its back at the door.

"It's about damn time you..." And he turns around with the chair to criticize me but stops at the sight of me, scanning me from head to toes. I know... Sorry...

"So sorry. Traffic." I ignore everyone's stare, and he comes back to his senses while I go to my spot.

"Yeah," he says, "this is Eric Rodricks, our client, CEO of Rodricks Real Estate Investments, and this is our Marketing Manager, Selena Dutchmond." The guy is hot, Adonis style, Greek God, towering, with beautiful dark blue eyes, chestnut wavy hair and a billionaire. That suit on him makes women stay at his feet. GQ magazine model. That's why Jessie's high-pitched voice has been on.

"Nice to meet you, sir." I extend my hand. He takes it and stares into my eyes with those ravishing waves he has into them, not letting go. I'm not intimidated. Jessie rolls her eyes and clears her throat while I'm trying to have my hand back. Jessie's sending me spears across the room at this point.

"The pleasure is mine." And I manage to take my hand back. I sit on my chair, open the file, and then the laptop, starting the marketing presentation for him. Marta enters the room and sits on the chair behind me, near the projector, to work on the slide show while I speak.

I deliver all the information and I ask if there are questions or things that need to be changed. Eric is looking at me, laid back on his chair with his hand on his cheek, in a thinking pose. He has a smirk on his face. I guess he's satisfied with the presentation.

"That's interesting." Eric says looking at Derek who's staring at me. He does that often, but now it is longer than usual.

"What? Yeah. She's our best." He snaps out of whatever he has been thinking. "Anything you need a correction or addition on?"

"No. It's fine. But I would want to have a word with you, alone." He stares back at me like I'm under a metal detector. Take your fucking eyes off me, motherfucker... There's nothing here for you... Just saying...

"If there's anything, I'll be in my office." I say with a professional smile, standing up and leaving Marta to pack things up. "It has been a pleasure to work on this project, sir." Not really, but anyways... I extend my hand for the final handshake. He takes it in a strong grip, like trying to get a reaction from me. I'm reactionless as ice. You fucking sucker... I'm not a sucker for hotness or money... I don't give a single fuck on you... Jessie though, she's all there for you...

"You did a great job. Rarely I'm so impressed." He gives a smile, landing his gaze on my lips. You're so asking for it... But I'll behave... Yeah... Let's finish it already...

"Thank you, sir. Have a good day." I try to take my hand back while he's resisting. Don't know for how long I'll behave though... He lets go after a few good seconds to Jesse's despair, who is still in the room with a short tight black dress and a white jacket on her to die for model body. She is a Barbie doll all over. Even I, as a woman, could fall in love with her beauty. In the sense I would want to look like her. I'm not a lesbian, though many think I am. Why? Because I don't have a boyfriend and I always keep it friend zone for males or strictly business. I don't have time or want for a personal life.

I walk away and straight to my office. I need to drink something cold for the heated morning I've had since the coffee shop till present. Finally... I'm so fucking cursed... Good it finished...

My office is one with a view over New York City. I have a leather chair with a wide neat oak desk. There are a few framed posters with motivational quotes on the cream walls and a big library with books on law, management, marketing and economics. I'm 31. I have Law school and Finance-Banking-Accounting bachelor's degrees. I may seem I have it all, but I don't. I'm in huge shit and this job is the one that keeps me out of bankruptcy. Not all out, but it helps my financial situation a bit. But that's a story for another time.

"Hey! You were awesome!" Says Marta, coming in with all the things, placing them on my desk. Yeah... Yay... Not awesome... I so hate everything, but I have no choice... You're cute though... Kids... He, he, he...

"Thanks. I worked my butt off for that presentation. Can you bring me some cold Diet Pepsi, please? I'm so thirsty." My mouth is dried out and I'm feeling hot. I hope my blood sugar levels aren't too high. I'm a diabetic. Insulin dependent. Five shots a day. Stress increases my diabetes' levels.

"Yeah, in a minute. No! You looked so sexy and like a vixen! That Eric guy couldn't take his eyes off you! And Derek, too! Ouch! I see romance!" She's grinning like a high school girl. Oh, Jesus... I know you're a sucker for this kind of things, but it's not MY thing...

"Stop dreaming. It's normal they were staring at me. I was delivering the presentation. Now go and give me that drink. Don't think I've forgiven you for the message." I answer my ringing phone while she's pouting, then puffs at me. Kids. I know, baby... I know... I'm not like you to be thrilled over such occurrences...

"Selena?" That's my mom on the phone. I do hope nothing happened. She's tensed.

"Yeah, mom. Everything okay?" I'm trying to keep my cool, but I can feel something happened. Hit me with it... I can take it...

"Sweetie? We are losing the house..." Shit! She starts crying on silent.

"Mom! Calm down! I'm coming over. Where are you?" I'm keeping an outside cool, yet inside I'm sinking. The shit we're in since the economic crisis, has all my family on the edge. We were rich people, at some level, not millionaires, but we had it going without lack of money. We had and still have construction companies. Small ones, but they were and are a family business. An investment project with bank loans among other such 'sugary', cut our throats financially and we've lost many things. The house is next. I saw it coming... Jesus Christ...

"At home. Your dad went crazy and I don't know where he is. He can't take it anymore! I think he'll do something! Lord! Why is this happening to us?" A tear escapes down my right cheek and my heart is in pieces for both my parents and for our family. Marta comes in with my drink with widened eyes on how I may look at this point.

"Calm down, mom. I love you and everything will be fine. Dad's going to be fine. I'll be there right away. Wait for me, will you?" I'm still trying to keep my cool to make my mom feel she's not alone and that she has a strong daughter to protect them. Now do you understand why I give a shit on men and don't want to get involved with them? Love is never going to help my situation, only complicate it.

"Yeah. Come safe, baby. Love you." She hangs up crying. I'm all teary but not voicing it.

"What's the matter? You look like shit. Here. Have a sip..." She gives me the drink, which I take and have some. I feel like yelling and raging out loud. This shit is never going to end....

"Nothing. Help me clear all the meetings today. I have some family problems which I can't avoid. Send on my email all the work I need to do. Please, don't forget anything, okay?" Nobody in the office knows about my problems. They think I'm healthy, only fat, and living on high horses. That's the image I've created. I stand up in a hurry and take my purse.

"Wait! Derek called. He wants to speak with you. Now." She says, but I'm out through the door, not looking back.

When I reach the elevator, with my gaze down, I bump into someone. "Oh! Sorry!" I look at the person I've bumped into. It's Eric, followed by his men and having Derek beside him. I'm so fucking cursed... Should have realized since the coffee spilled on me moment... It was a bad omen for the fucked-up day... Only oh-so-good-news...

"It's alright. Something happened?" He sends me a worried look seeing my probably red eyes. All the shit happened... And you were the last person on Earth that I wanted to see right now...

"Where are you going? Didn't Marta tell you I'm expecting you in the office?" Derek is both pissed and worried. She did... But you're not important at this point... I give a fuck on everything... My family comes first...

"Nothing happened." I dismiss Eric with a cold voice. "Yes, she told me. I have some unexpected family situation and I have to leave for the day. You can cut my paycheck. I'll still run all the work at home. Marta will send everything on my email. I really have to take a leave, sir. I'm not going to wait for your approval. If you consider you want to fire me over this, you can do it. I'll understand. Have a good day, sir." I don't give a shit at this moment if I lose my job as well. If I'm sinking, let it all sink. Why not? I can take it, right?

The elevator comes at perfect timing and I go in, leaving Derek with a dropped jaw and a what's-going-on expression. Eric? I don't know. I've totally ignored his presence. He's not my boss. I go in and press the lobby button and the elevator closes with only me in it, which is great. The shit of my life is an ongoing story... I'm so perfect...

Eric's POV:

I walk in Derek's company for the marketing presentation on my new project 'Casablanca Red'. It's a resort with a VIP club. I'm 28 years old and took my dad's business since I was 23. I made it to the top 10 in the Forbes list last year as one of the youngest billionaires. I like to play and party but when it comes to business, I'm like dad, deadly and on the profit. Never mixing pleasure with business. I know Derek since I was five. He's like a bigger brother to me and best friend. We are both bachelors and we often hangout together.

I'm welcomed by Derek's staff and on to the elevator to the tenth floor where there are the managers' offices. He said it's a new Marketing Manager. A woman. She's one of the best though she's not yet known on the market. I really want to see what she has for me. She had one week to work on the concept.

"Hey buddy!" Derek comes to me and shakes my hand in a men's embrace. "Hope you're not dizzy after last night's drink." He winks at me. Yeah, we had a little get-together last night with some other friends. We discussed about the project and then we went loose in one of his clubs until two in the morning.

"Hey! Not at all. You know me." I'm good at drinking and I know my limit when I have business the next day. Derek was my teacher in this among other things.

"Jesse? Can you take Mr. Rodricks to the meeting room?" He asks a hot blonde with a too short dress for an office environment. He knows how to pick them. This old guy. I keep a businessman face in front of her.

"Sure. It would be this way, Mr. Rodricks." She butterflies her eyelashes at me, motioning the way with her left hand, showing me her cleavage, with a sexy smile.

"She's our Planning Manager, Jesse Startwust. You can go with her and your people. I'll be there in a minute." He smirks. I nod and follow the bombshell. Nice legs, vixen, but a bit of a flat ass. Luckily, you have a comeback with your cleavage. While I walk to the meeting room, guided by the blondie like she's on a catwalk, I hear Derek yelling. "Marta?! Where's Selena?! She's not in the office!" I slow down my pace to eavesdrop what's happening.

"Sir, she's on her way. I-I..." Come on, Derek! You're frightening the girl... I grin.

"You what?!" He is pissed. Does she do that often? Never seen Derek so angry on an employee. Maybe it's personal. She doesn't say, but she repeats the "I-I." "Was she on a date last night and didn't hear the alarm going off or something?" Yeah, it's personal alright. I would love to meet the woman that can make him lose his control like this.

"No, sir! She takes work seriously! You know that! I'm at fault!" Her voice is trembling but gets it out strong in that woman's defense.

"At fault? What for? What did you do?" His anger is decreasing a level.

"I'm sorry, sir! I forgot last night to send her the change of the meeting's time! I have only now spoken to her on the phone and realized I didn't. She is really upset on me. But she's coming! She is at the coffee shop across the street..." I like her assistant. She takes the blame for her boss. Hard to find one nowadays.

"She'd better not keep us waiting for too long!" The last thing I hear before entering the meeting room.

Hot Jessie is sitting next to me, presenting me the concept that woman created. She tries to get touchy and all to get my attention. I can get one like you ten times a day if I want. I'm fed up with girls all over me. You're trying way too hard and it's not working. I know your type. I have a long trail behind me. I wish there was a woman that would have no reaction at me and not be a lesbian for a change. That would be really interesting.

"Selena is so late! That fatty ass!" Puffs with fakeness Jesse, checking her phone to see the time. "I'm sorry, Mr. Rodricks. It's slipped my tongue." Yeah, it's slipped alright. And you didn't want it at all.

"It's fine. The concept seems catchy from what I've seen. I can wait." She starts fidgeting at my words. I think she has expected me to have an aggressive reaction. I would have if the previous Derek's scene didn't pick my interest to meet the woman Selena.

Derek comes in with other three managers. The project manager that I know for some years from another project, Dave, the financial manager, Kevin, which I also know, and the design and IT manager, Bob. None that I don't know of except for Jesse and Selena. Jesse was at other branches until a few months ago, and Selena is the newest in the company.

I look at my watch. It's eight. Derek is saying something to Kevin but visibly irritated on Selena for being late. Jesse is trying a failed move on me while a knock on the door and an appearance make everyone silent. Derek is the only one vocalizing as he is with his back at the door.

"It is about damn time you..." And he turns around with the chair to see her but mute at her sight for a good minute. I'm too staring at her. She's not skinny as Jesse said, but I don't find her fat. She's having all the right curves in all the right places. Her wavy dark blonde hair goes on her back like the Little Mermaid's. With those jade eyes, long lashes, thick eyebrows, perfect lips and sexy ass black attire, she has me on the spot. And she wears no make-up. She's a natural beauty. She's not my type, but she's all the type I want right now. Derek, I'm sorry, man... She's mine...

"So sorry. Traffic." She excuses herself, not blaming the assistant.

"Yeah," he says, "this is Eric Rodricks, our client, CEO of Rodricks Real Estate Investments, and this is our Marketing Manager, Selena Dutchmond." Derek makes the presentations and I stand up without controlling my body. I never stand up if I get seated, especially for someone who got late on me on business. This time is different.

"Nice to meet you, sir." She extends her hand, looking at me straight in the eyes, with that penetrating look, icy, but professional. I can't help but imagine her in my bed and run wild, staring in her eyes. No reaction from her. She's like seeing a wall. She's not impressed by me like Jesse is. I don't think any woman has given me the cold shower. Maybe she's lesbian? Don't think so. If she were, Derek wouldn't be like that. I stop my train of thoughts when I realize she's trying to retract her hand.

"The pleasure is mine." I release my grip, and she retracts her hand. She sits on her chair, opens her file and then her laptop. I sit back on my chair, lay back, and keep my eyes all over her. She starts the presentation, but I can't focus on what she's saying. First time happening to me. If it were Jesse speaking, I would have no problem concentrating. This one has a leash on me. Why? Is she Derek's woman? He didn't say anything to me. Yet, he looks at her like she is. Domineering over her. That's why he's not dating anyone for the last month? Tired for dating because of business, huh? Business my ass! But she'll be in my bed soon...

She finishes the presentation, which I haven't heard any of it as I've been eye-glued to her, with a smirk plastered on my face. "That's interesting." I say, taking my eyes off her and into Derek's direction. He continues to eat her with his eyes. He's now pissing me off.

"What? Yeah. She's our best." He finally breaks the staring, making me growl inside. "Anything you need a correction or addition on?"

"No. It's fine. But I would want to have a word with you, alone." I look back at Selena, with fiery eyes. Oh! You'll be mine, baby... Don't you worry. I have to talk to Derek to get a confession out of him and then we're on, Angel.

"If there's anything, I'll be in my office." She gives me the cold business smile, standing up and leaving. Not for long, baby... Not for long. "It has been a pleasure to work on this project, sir." The pleasure hasn't begun yet. We'll work on that later. She extends her hand for the final handshake and I take it strongly, to have a profound touch of hands. Her eyes are cold. It doesn't excite her in any way. No tremble, no spark in her eyes, no nothing. She provokes me I see.

"You did a great job. Rarely I'm so impressed." I smile at her and from looking into her icy jade eyes, I land on her natural rosy lips that I would devour here and now.

"Thank you, sir. Have a good day." She tries again to retract her hand but now I'm the one provoking her, and not letting go. Her eyes get irritated but not in the way I want. I let go.

She walks away leaving me and Derek alone. Jesse is still hovering around, and I think Selena's assistant, who is packing the stuff. During the entire meeting I swear there wasn't anyone around us besides Derek who has been walking on my Alpha nerves. I'm way wealthier than him, younger and a lot more attractive. I love the guy, but here I wouldn't let go. Marta excuses herself. Derek tells her he wants Selena in his office to talk. She nods and goes to Selena's office. He then sends Jesse off. She doesn't want to go but she follows the order and shuts the door behind her.

"Tell me, bro. Are you in a relationship with the Marketing Manager?" I ask directly with my Alpha male look on.

"What? Whom?" He blabbers. I haven't seen him like this. Ever.

"Selena. Are you two dating?" He looks at me, taken aback by my blunt questions.

"What makes you think that, Eric?" He clenches his jaw and becomes rigid, laying back on his chair as I do on mine.

"You only have eyes for her." I have a strong glare at him.

"No, I don't." He denies and keeps a poker face.

"For how long is she working for you?" I continue my interrogatory.

"For about a month. Why?" Something is up with him. He never hides things from me.

"For about a month, you're not dating anyone. Having something to confess to me?" I smirk.

"I'm not dating her. I'm not dating anyone. Any other questions? We should go see the land. But wait for me downstairs. I need to talk to Selena about something." He stands up, avoiding my questions, obviously. I think he's not dating her, but he would want to. So, I'm not taking his woman. That's a relief.

"OK. Let's go then." I stand up as well and we go back through the hallway to the elevator with my men following us.

I see Selena coming from the other way of the hallway to the elevator, crying. She has her purse in her hand and her gaze is down. She doesn't see me and bumps right into me in the front of the elevator. I keep still but I'm a bit shaken seeing her like this.

"Oh! Sorry!" She looks at me and then at Derek and my men.

"It's alright. Something happened?" I see her eyes are red and that she's keeping tension inside of her. She wants to cry out loud but struggling to control. I'm checking her out with my eyes to see if she's hurt or something.

"Where are you going? Didn't Marta tell you I'm expecting you in the office?" Derek yells at her but he's checking her out as well. He's worried.

"Nothing happened." She says to me without even looking at me. "Yes, she told me. I have some unexpected family situation and I must leave for the day. You can cut my paycheck. I'll still run all the work at home. Marta will send everything on my email. I'm not going to wait for your approval. If you consider you want to fire me over this, you can do it. I'll understand. Have a good day, sir." Though she is on the edge, she keeps her professional with a strong stand. She sure is something. The elevator comes as one of my men has pushed the button when we've reached the spot. She walks in, leaving us here, with her head down, not looking at any of us, pressing the lobby button, and the doors closing.

I signal my men with my fingers, without Derek seeing me, to follow her. Something is on and I have the urge to find out what it is. I need that. I want that. "Derek? I've just remembered I have something urgent to do. Can we have a raincheck on seeing the land?"

"What? Yeah, sure. No problem. Call me." He is thinking at what I'm thinking.

"Alright. Talk soon then." I nod at him and get into the next elevator and on her footsteps. My men are already tailing her downstairs. She won't escape me. I'll find out.

Selena's POV:

I reach downstairs with one thought in mind. I need to be strong and kick ass. Mom and Dad need me. I'm the only one they have. I'm an only child and now I have to play the man in the house again.

I take a cab that has conveniently dropped someone in front of the company and tell the driver the parking area I left my car at in the morning.

I reach there in about 15 minutes, pay the man and stroll fast to get my car. Nobody knows I own a car or anything about me, that's why I don't drive my car at the company's parking area for employees. They don't have to know things about me. I've got things to find out, and I've left some things out of my CV and life story among the employees and boss.

My black BMW sports car awaits. Yes, I was rich, remember? It's a ten-years-old model, but still turning heads at its sight on the road. It's among the only things I've got left from the financial hit. And our home.

I place my purse in the trunk, get in and start the engine, and like a fast and furious driver, aim my home. Oh! I'm very skilled with driving. Don't worry. My house is out of New York City, in a quiet suburb area on a lake across a beautiful forest, two hours away from the city. It's dreamy there, silent, a man-to-nature connection, and the only house we have left to live in. It is a small, cozy white villa of two floors and an open attic, with a beautiful garden and a large swimming pool. I used to be an athlete in my teens, so my dad built me a professional swimming pool to practice there, daily. I was a tennis player, swimmer, basketball player and hockey player. Dad was into sports, as a former football player until his twenties, resulting him into getting me into all fields he could. He wanted a boy. I loved to please him, and I loved sports, hence I did them all until about fifteen. The swimming pool is in ruins now for about nine years. Hey! It costs a lot to maintain it every year!

The trip to home seems like forever. Halfway in, my gas signals it needs a refill. Shit! I stop at the nearest gas station for a refill. I get down, an employee comes to fill it. I go in to pay and decide to buy a few packets of cigarettes. I'm out of them and I'll badly need a lot for what's coming.

While I'm at the cashier's, I observe two men in black suits and white shirts, with black shades, entering, pretending to look on the shelves, but I feel they are watching me. Something is off. I remember I've forgotten to take a drink for the road, when my mouth instantly dries out, and start to the cold drinks' fridge. I grab a Diet Pepsi can and they are cornering me, but still pretending to have no connection to my presence here. I ignore them, go back to the cashier's desk and pay for everything. I go back to the car, tip the man who helped me fill the gas and "Thank you! Have an easy one!" and get in.

When I start the engine, I observe three black SUVs parked, the men in black coming out and on to the nearest. I have another fast and furious drive and off on the road after I make sure no cars are coming.

I open my Diet Pepsi and have a sip while I have my music out loud in the car. It's Lady Gaga's 'Do What You Want To My Body' and I drive gangsta style with my left hand on the wheel. I divert my mind from those guys which I see are after me. I care less. I'll deal with that later, if it's necessary.

After another hour, I reach at my beautiful home which I've missed a lot after last month's decision to move in the city for the job. I look into my rear mirror and see the cars have stopped following me. "You guys are pros. You know when to get low I see."

I break in front of the house, stop the engine and get down, taking the bag with the cigarettes, my Pepsi and then my purse from the trunk. I open the gate and go inside. Be cool, Selena! You've got everything under control! You need to be strong for Mom and Dad! We've got this!

I'm greeted by Tommy, my white fluffy Persian cat with a meow, I pet his head, and enter the house. Mom is sleeping on the couch. She looks as if her life has been sucked out of her being. My heart shatters into pieces.

She feels my presence. "Selena?" She stands up while I go to her in a big bear hug, kissing her forehead and then her cheeks. She hugs me back.

"Yeah, mom! Your knight in shining armor is here!" I let her kiss me too after she releases a smile.

"The papers we received are on the table. We have two months to evacuate the house..." She sobs. She's a strong woman, with black long hair, green eyes, 61, pale skin, and a lioness, but the last sixteen years broke us one by one.

I walk to the table and open the papers to read them. Two months. We've lost the house. They say that if we pay three million dollars in full by the end of first month, which is all we owe in debts, we can keep it. My car is off the hook as it's owned by one of the companies I still run. But it's a small company, and things are not going well enough in the constructions for petite companies. "Where's dad?" I ask mom while having my back at her, reading every single line of the notice to see if there's a loop somewhere that I can use tomorrow morning, when I'll pay the bank's manager a visit.

"Baby..." She begins crying out loud, making me turn around with wide opened eyes and a bit of gap between my lips.

"What's wrong?" I rush to her, trying to calm her down.

"Michael called. Dad's having problems with the workers. He didn't pay them because of the client. He hasn't wired the money and Dad is threatened by them to be killed. I was so freaked out that I stayed on the couch crying and somehow fell asleep, but I think I fainted." Tears are pouring down her sucked cheeks. FUCKING FUCK! JESUS!

"What?!" I rage but take away her tears with my fingers. Michael is dad's right hand, but he's not a strong man. He's weak. When you're not Donahue Estate Development, you don't have money for best employees. Instead of calling me, he called mom. That fucking asshole! "Shh... Everything is going to be fine." I rub her back. "Where is the site?"

"It's the new client..." She sobs. I know where that is. Twenty minutes from here.

"OK. Mom? Look at me. I'll go there and I'll get dad, and with the house, I've got everything covered. Okay?" I stare into her eyes to let her know I'm on it and chill. I lie, of course, for the house part, but not for dad.

"No! I don't want you to get hurt, too! Please!" She pleads, holding my hand. Like anyone could hurt me... I'll put everything back in order... I'm fucking Selena Dutchmond... Nobody fucks with my ass...

"I'll be fine. Don't you trust me?" I smile at her.

"Yes, but..." She doesn't let go of my hand, but I force her gently.

"I'll be back, but dad will be first to come home. I have another stop to make." I kiss her forehead, send her a warm smile, and let her say to me to be careful. I'm always careful, mom... Worry for the others... Once I'm there...

I storm out of the house. I think I have a mad look and grimace. No one touches Daddy! No one is taking my house! The losses end here!

I get in the car and I pull a race stunt to get from the spot my car is on, and off to the site where it will get messier when I reach there. You guys threaten my dad? You're fucking with me now... I'm already in a bad mood... You motherfuckers...

When I approach the site, I see a riot and Dad is in the middle of it, with Michael behind him, doing nothing much. Dad is trying to calm everyone down, but they sure look angry. You guys have chosen such a bad day for this... Fucking Eric Rodricks and his fucking project... Fucking coffee accident morning... Fucking EVERYTHING! Oh! I'll so fuck you guys if you don't play nice...

I enter the site with speed, roaring my car when I reach the area my dad is on, and push the break right behind him, making everyone stop and step back. My music is playing at maximum. I stop the car's engine and get down, fuming. Luckily, I always wear flat shoes from a deadly surgery on my foot from five years ago, as the site is bumpy for heels.

"What's happening here?" I ask on an authoritarian tone, looking at my father. "Mr. Dutchmond?" I call him on his family name as he is one of my employees. I do this to get everyone silent. In business we are not family. At home we are. Hit me with the shit to unleash... I need to fuck someone right now for everything... Give me reasons...

"Selena? What...?" He doesn't get to finish as one of the men yells at me. Reason number one... Dad's face is darkened and tired. Heartbreak after heartbreak on my heart. Don't worry, dad... I'm here... As always...

"He stole the money! He didn't pay us! We either get our money or he doesn't get out of here in one piece!" The man says who as many constructions workers has a built figure and a bull stare. You've got some balls right now... Mine are bigger, asshole...

"Hey! What did you say?!" DON'T FUCK WITH ME! BAD DAY ON THAT! I rage at him and I get one inch away from his face. My stare at him fires through his eyes making him hold his breath. He is half a head over me but gets a halt in his hysterical argument against us. Good boy... Play nice... "Let me hear it one more time! Don't look at me that I'm a woman! I'll broom the entire site with your ass!" I don't break the eye contact. It's a battle right there between our eyes. My stance is like a pissed lion.

He lowers his eyes. "I'm sorry, Madam. I-I...." He gets back to his senses. You're sorry... Of course you are... Fucking fuck...

"You what?! Aren't you ashamed of yourself?!" I verbally attack him now. "Three months ago, we gave you advance money because you had your daughter hospitalized! We were human with you! We said we will not take them back and turned it into a sponsorship for you to not have your monthly salary cut and left with no food on the table! Is this how you repay kindness? And you!" I turn my eyes to the one behind him. "Haven't we helped you find a home and paid for the rent without affecting your pay when you were kicked out of your house? And you!" I turn to the one beside the first one. "Haven't we helped you with supplies for your newborn? And you all!" I motion my hand in their direction. "How much kindness and generosity have you all received from our company and family to get by your own hard times?!" They all subside and lower their heads. And you're threatening me?! You're not threatening dad! It's I who you guys are attacking!

I make a step back to gasp them all with my sight. "The client hasn't paid yet! It's not stealing your money! I'll deal with the client after I walk out of here! You are all paid until these two weeks! Does it hurt you to wait for a few more days? You know we always pay!" I rage once more, fire coming out from my eyes. Don't worry! I'll fuck him if he doesn't pay!

"We're sorry, ma'am... We were afraid we won't be paid..." Says one of them on a low, submissive voice.

"And why is that?" I growl.

"The client's assistant said he wired the money last week and he was surprised we didn't get paid. We know you have debts and we thought you'll run with our hard-worked money. We haven't seen you for the last month, so... We apologize, ma'am." He is sincere. I can see that. Oh! That fucking assistant and his fucking mouth! If he said that, it doesn't mean it's true!

"Though I understand and accept your worries, you should know we would never do that." I say on a calmer voice. "And what that man said is not true. What is true is that we haven't received the money, but I'll get it." I look at all of them, seeing their faces relaxed and accepting of what I say. "Now. If I hear one more time of such accusations or threatens to Mr. Dutchmond or I, or to any boss you have over you, I'll have my way with you and make you pay back for what you touch!" My eyes are dragons spitting fire at them. "And don't think it's just words! I can beat your asses any time, easily! Don't provoke it to see proof of it! Get back to work and let me worry and solve the money problem! Go!" And they all say 'yes' and go back to work. My fucking blood sugar is killing me right now...

"Michael." I fire him with my eyes. "Go and do your job watching over them. We'll have things to discuss tomorrow."

"Yes, Selena." He retreats to the working site leaving me and dad alone.

Dad is idle. He's just standing there, pale and weak. A state that I got used to for the last 16 years. He is tall with athletic constitution, wavy dark blond hair. But his brown eyes are opaque. "Dad?"

"Yeah." He replies on a dry, decreased voice. Don't do this to me...

"Are you OK?" I go in front of him.

"Yeah." Same voice. Shit...

"What's the matter?" I put my hand on his shoulder.

"I think I lost my touch. Everything is falling apart. I'm worthless. Can't do anything. I'm..." I interrupt him.

"Dad! You're not! You're just tired." I give him a tight hug and rub his back. I'll solve everything as always...

"We're losing the house, babes..." He starts sobbing on a low tone, on my shoulder, hugging me tight in return. "I didn't want any of this! I just wanted to make sure you have an easy life unlike me and your mom." He is losing it. "If only I didn't make you sign the loans with us, we wouldn't be in this state right now. I'm sorry, babes. I've ruined your life and your future. I can't face you or your mom..." He has lost it.

"Dad! Chill! Everything will work out! Trust me! As long as us three are alive and well, we can overcome everything! Alright?" I shoot him a warm, confident smile, making him relax a bit. Just let me solve it...

"Love you, babes." He kisses my cheek and hugs me.

"Love you too, dad." I kiss him back. "Your son is here with you! No worries!" I wink at him, making him laugh and shine his face a bit. He always says that I worth to him as much as five sons and one daughter.

"My baby. Dad loves you so much and it pains his heart to get you through all this with this old man in front of you." His eyes are watery again.

"Dad! You're not old! You're only 56! You're as young as it gets!" I kiss his cheek one more time as he smiles.

"You always know how to make me feel better." He holds my hand with sad eyes. Don't punch my heart, dad...

"You know what, daddy?" I raise one eyebrow.

"What, babes?" He waits.

"I'll have Michael send you home and I'll be back in about 3-4 hours in time for dinner. How does that sound?" I hold his hand.

"I still have to work, babes." He argues.

"No. Today I work in your place. Let me do this. Mom is a mess. Go home and support her. I can't wait to eat homemade food again! Please? Deal?" I butterfly my eyelashes at him and pout.

"Okay, baby." He gives a sigh.

"Michael!" I yell at him on a strong voice and motion him to come. He is far from us on the working plot. He nods and starts to us in a hurried pace. He's relatively tall, black hair and eyes, skinny, and around 45 years old. He's an engineer but not as experienced as my dad, who is also an engineer by profession.

"Yes, Selena!" His gaze goes from me to dad and then back at me.

"Take dad home for the day. Come back. That discussion for tomorrow is going to take place when you return. Okay?" I have a serious look in my eyes, but the anger has put its paws off me.

"Sure. Terrence? Let's go." He says to my father who is still idle. Shit! It's gonna be a long one this time. I need to stay for a few days.

"Yeah. Bye, babes. I'll wait for you at home. You be careful, alright?" He cups my left cheek and then strokes my head. Always crazy and careful, dad...

"Sure thing, dad." I smile and motion him 'goodbye' while he furthers away from me as I lean my back on the door of my car. I have a strong urge to smoke. My nerves are so tensed that the vein on my neck is booming. I open the car and take out my purse, get a cigarette and light it. I see my phone in the car and observe I have some icons on it. Great!

I take the phone and close the door, lean back on the door, and browse the phone while smoking. I know it's bad for health! But I don't have other vices and working on getting rid of this one too.

As it was on silent mode, I haven't checked it. Jeez! 50 calls from Derek, 78 from Marta, and a bunch of text messages from them and some emails. Have they gone crazy? I'm out for only a few hours and have announced my departure. As I start reading the messages, I lose my balance for a second and get dizzy, having my vision a bit blurred. A shock wave crosses through my being and my heart stings for a second. I grab the top of the car with my left hand and shake a bit my head. My heartbeats increase, and my breath gets labored. "Shit!"

I throw away my not finished cigarette and put the phone on the top of the car, holding the car's top with my two hands and working on my breathing. Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Slowly. That's it. I say to myself having my head down and eyes closed. It's my diabetes. Whenever I stress myself like I did before, my diabetes reacts. Hope there aren't any other problems. "Fuck!" I forgot to take my lunch insulin shot...

I get the phone and go inside my car, close the door and take my purse. I forage in it to find my insulin pen. I see it and take it out. I raise my top to reveal my belly, open the pen and deliver the shot. I take it out after 15 seconds, put it back and snatch a wrapped piece of bread that is in my carbs' meal for lunch. I eat it pretty fast and wait for about 10-15 minutes. My forehead gets tensed and the sides of my head. Yup, it went up.

I decide to spare Michael today. I'm already worn out. I start the engine of my car and drive backwards, stir the wheel to the right to turn, break, stir the wheel to the left and go for the exit. I have some other place to go. Let's see how we can go about to solve some shit...