I'll Sing To You, Mr. CEO

"Woah! Sexy!" Jaden Levigne exclaimed. Pertaining to the lead guitarist of the band that performed a melodious and upbeat disco song. "She really has beautiful voice! I think sexy dancing may suits her as well! I can't wait to bring her to my bed." He added.

"What a pervert!" Thedd Malcolm muttered but enough for Jaden to hear. "Why is Dunce not yet here?" He squinted.

Both guys looked prim and elegant in their business suit attire. Sitting at one corner, in the VIP couch on the second level which looked like a balcony seat. On their table are some pika pika food, chasers, brandy and wine, Chateau Latour.

"He's on his way..." Jaden's remarked was cut mid-sentence when he spotted Ardunce' profile. "Oh, speaking of the devil."

"Dunce!" Shouted Jaden. Calling his friend's attention as to usher him to where they were seated.

"Why did you suddenly choose to drink here? Why not book a VIP Box?" His brows furrowed as he questioned his friends. Ardunce Arbiz, Dunce in short, was one of those who would rather choose to stay in a private room or suite than be in crowded places. Not really a party goer but often hang out with his friends to chill after long day of stressful work.

"Today is Friday! The disco will be full of college girls." Jaden stood and held the wooden hand grills in front of them then excitedly scanned below to look for a new prospect.

"Are you into Pedophile Type of relationship now?" Slightly annoyed at Jaden's remark, Dunce asked with narrowed eyes. Jaden was a well-known playboy them.

"Jerk! There are college students who are passed 18 years. And since when did the bar let a 17 and below enter here. I'm into meek and innocent type you know?" Jaden jestingly exclaimed.

"Would a meek girl enter a bar? Age you say? Some fake their ID's. Your IQ is deteriorating fast and you haven't reached your 60's yet." Dunce now seated near Thedd. Thedd handed him a glass of wine.

Jaden's rebuttal was stopped when a sweet raspy voice aired. The lead guitarist suddenly sang a pleasant and dreamy song that silenced the crowd. Everyone gazed up to the singer. Truly an ear catching song accompanied by guitar and organ. Her voice was high but clear. At some point it was husky.

Tonight, was a "Girl's Night Out", a special day that the bar promoted where girls gain free entrance and may request songs from the band to play. It happened that one of the female guests requested for the song "Grace" by Bebe Rexha.

All eyes were focused on the girl. Exuding a mysterious look yet with a hint of elegance. Looking at her guitar while singing and never glanced at the audience. Clad in a fitted black sleeveless collared top, partnered with black leggings and black mini skirt and knee-long boots. Though her clothes were in minis and hugging type, she doesn't look slutty at all. Her long black hair was ponytailed, exposing her beautiful heart shaped face. She looked confident but not arrogant. Her remarkable beauty matched her exceptional performance.

The silence suddenly became thunderous when the song was finished. It seemed like everyone enjoyed the entertainment. After the song, Lhan and her group exited the stage. Their first set of performance was done. After an hour rest then they would have their 2nd set of performance.

Thedd and Jaden were surprised when Ardunce unexpectedly called the waiter and asked for the girl's name.

"What's her name, the girl who just sung?" He asked the waiter while still not removing his gaze at the stage.

"Lhan, Sir!" Politely answered by the waiter.

Dunce nodded and waved his hand suggesting the waiter to go.

Thedd and Jaden looked at each other with eyes widened since it was very unlikely for Ardunce to be interested to a woman. Usually women flocked to him and he just drove them away.

Silently communicating with each other, the thougt 'this is the first time he asked for a girl's name. Is this for real?' was like a telepathic message sent as they stared back at each other.

However, on the other VIP couch beside them, one of the guests was making a scene, forcing the waiter to call for Lhan.

"Tell her to come here." The plump guy's voice slightly raised. He was in his late 30's.

The waiter scratched his hair. "Sorry, sir, but you know she is not one of those escorts that can be tabled." The waiter fearfully apologized. His head bowed down while holding a stainless tray. Pearls of sweat were formed on his forehead. To all employee of the bar, it was very clear to them that Lhan, the owner's friend, was not allowed to be tabled by anyone. However, the person in front of them was not someone to be trifled with.

"Get her here or you both will lose your job." He grumbled firmly.

Leaving the waiter no choice, he walked away feebly. He said to himself, 'why would he come here while the boss is not here?'

••••••

At the resting room for band performers.

"Hey!" The waiter gently tapped Lhan's shoulder. "Someone is calling you."

"Hmmm...?" Lhan removed her earpiece and asked confusingly to the waiter who patted her shoulder.

"Mr. Cruz wants to see you, again." He embarrassingly informed her.

"Again?! Are you insane? I am not a hostess. I'm a band performer!" Lhan answered with eyes widened.

"Lhan, please! I will lose my job if you will not go there." The waiter begged with praying hands.

"Manager!" Alvin, the band Leader also their bassist, called the manager's attention when he heard the waiter. "This is not what we have agreed. Lhan is our band member not a slut or whore that can be checked out by your customers. Where's Boss Aljun? Surely he will not allow this." He continually protested. He acted as the big brother among his bandmates.

"Boss Aljun is not yet here. They are not someone we can offend. Maybe you can just have a chat with them." The dining manager looked sorry. He was new to the position and wasn't well experienced when it comes to situation like this.

Lhan stood up emotionlessly. "Impossible!"

"Lhan, you don't have to go!" It was Elise, one of Lhan's best friend, also a singer and another guitarist, who tried to stop her anxiously.

"Boss Aljun is not yet here. I'll just talk to them. Don't tell Fleur and Gideon, okay?" Elise nodded in response and Lhan calmed her surging anger before she went to Mr. Cruz' group.

•••••

"Come here sit down..." Mr. Cruz grinned from ear to ear as he saw seeing Lhan approaching.

"I'm sorry but I cannot do that, sir. If there's a song that you would personally request from us, my band and I will gladly play it for you." devoid of any emotion, Lhan said calmly like a professional performer.

"We just want to have a chat with you." Mr. Cruz waved his hand telling him to sit beside him.

"I only have an hour rest before our next performance. So, I humbly request that you let this peasant go." Head bowed, Lhan said with her signatured apathetic tone.

"Lhan, my dear Lhan. Do you want to finish your college degree? I know someone from Imperial University You know I have ways of removing you from being a scholar." Mr. Cruz stood up and caressed Lhan's long hair.

Lhan remained silent. She maintained a poker face masking the disgust she felt towards the man. One thing that repulsed her the most was those filthy rich who abused their money and position to get whatever they wanted. Mr. Ben Cruz was known for his supermarket business who had at least 38 branches nationwide. She felt helpless as she was aware that she dared not to deride the person in-front of her. 'That's how wicked the society was, ' she thought. Those who have money have the power. She wasn't poor but because she gave all her money to her adoptive parents only few was left on her account.

Seeing her contemplating, Mr. Cruz cockily said, "Sit beside me. I'll pay you per hour. No per minute. Come on!"

His gang laughed audaciously. One of them uttered, "Ah yah, your girl doesn't give a you a face."

Lhan said to herself, 'I am not someone's girl'.

Mr. Cruz stood up. As he groped her shoulder Lhan reflexively mustered all her energy then grabbed his hand, turned 180 degrees made a step forward, from the back she carried and flipped him. He landed on the next VIP table to where Ardunce' group were sitting. The men who witnessed were dumbfounded. Because of shame and excruciating pain, Mr. Cruz leapt to his feet and about to punch her but was stopped by another man's palm. It was Ardunce who suddenly stood up and went to protect her. Hanging on his thought was the question 'What am I doing? I've gone insane!' Truly it was out of his character to join any argument let alone a fight. He hated being in a situation where he became a center of attraction. He shook his head out of amusement by his own action.

Good thing that their location wasn't well lighted and a loud song was playing on the background. Thus, only those who sat near them had the chance to see and hear what had happened. Mostly onlookers just ignored it as this commonly happened in a bar.

Ardunce' friends, on the other hand were more shocked than confused. He was never nosy.

"Lady! If you want to fight this guy better do it outside. You are disturbing us. Also, pay for the drinks." Still holding Mr. Cruz' fist, Dunce stared at the girl sternly.

Lhan walked to Mr. Cruz and pulled out his wallet. She took out some cash and handed it out to the guy. "Here." She coldly voiced.

Dunce didn't take the cash so Lhan put it on the other table that was not broken.

"Bitch! Who allowed you to take out money from my wallet?!" Mr. Cruz pulled out his hand and distanced himself from the overbearing guy. Though Ardunce was a well know business magnate, he remained lay low and hated appearing on news. Thus, no one exactly knew how the number one tycoon looked like.

"Aren't you the one who fell on their table? I just helped you in handing them the payment. You're hurt! I am just being kind." She looked at him, still, emotionless.

Thedd and Jaden laughed out loud. Because of anger, Lhan threw a dagger eye look at them that silenced the two guys. Thedd couldn't help but admired the girl's strong aura while Jaden felt a little shiver as it was his first time to see a girl as fierce as her. He first, thought that she was his type. She looked cold, meek and innocent minutes ago then suddenly turned into ferocious one.

Out of shame, Mr. Cruz tried to slap her. But Lhan automatically reached the closest glass with wine and splashed it onto him. However, the liquid stained Ardunce expensive business suit as he came in between them to stop Mr. Cruz from slapping her.

"Ingrate..." He annoyingly said to the girl. Creases appeared on his forehead which enhanced a more imposing and disgusted expression.

"Sorry..." The only word she could utter out of shock and guilt as she didn't expect him to stop Mr. Cruz from slapping her. She felt guilty as Ardunce uttered the word ingrate.

The owner of the bar Aljun Simon, who happened to be Ardunce' friend, appeared. He walked with ease while his hands in his pants side pockets. Exuding with aura similar that of a Mafia leader. Mr. Cruz recognized him and thus he instantly became apologetic.

"Mr. Cruz! You again? How many times did I tell you that our Lhan here is not an escort?" A smile pasted on his face despite his domineering posture and introduction. Everyone knew that his smile was masking a fury.

"Aljun! You are here. I thought you went to Europe. Sorry this is a misunderstanding. I just want to talk to her about her performance. She was really stunning tonight." Mr. Cruz was goosey.

"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! It's not because I am out of the country means you can already do what you want. Ahhh, you cannot just force her to do that." Everyone in the business circle knew the character of Aljun. As he belongs to the upper crust of the society that no one can be trampled on, he was also the type that could throw punches and still law will not reprimand. "Lhan! Another table is broken." He then turned his attention to the girl.

"It is not my fault. It is an accident caused by self-defense. I felt being harassed." Lhan defended herself although she knew that it was just an act as Aljun never actually asked her to pay any damages.

"Whether that would be the case or not you still need to pay for the table. Didn't I tell you to call for security and not to be impolite to our customers. Don't take everything in your hands. You're a performer not a bouncer." He continually berated her. Even though he doesn't like what Mr. Cruz did, Aljun still showed that he doesn't spoil his employees and respect customer's right.

"Sorry. This won't happen again. I will pay for the table." She retreated immediately so not to take the arguments further. She's been tired the whole day as she attended school during daytime.

"Okay go back!" Aljun dismissed her to which she nodded in response. He then looked back to Mr. Cruz. "I hope this would really be the last!" His words were more like a threat than a warning.

Afraid that his presence might add to the bar owner's fury he said, "I remember, I have some things to attend to. Here! Tips for the waiter!" He scooped few bills and put it on the table. Mr. Cruz and his group left instantly.

As soon as Mr. Cruz left, he turned to his friends and greeted them with fist bumps.

"Dunce! Looked at you. Still so handsome. Why are you here? It is very unlike you to stay in a crowded place." Aljun rested his arm on Dunce' shoulder as if nothing happened.

"Asked that Pedophile!" Ardunce answered calmly referring to Jaden while trying to wipe the wine from his clothes.

"Hey! Aljun. Can't we really not table the girl? How come you never introduce us to that beauty." Jaden jestingly voiced out disregarding Ardunce mockery.

"Huh!? She's just a college student. Not someone who does dirty tricks to earn. You can choose from our hostesses. Go to the other floor." He glared at Jaden then looked again at Dunce. "Say, Ardunce we have great collection. You can choose anyone and it's on me."

"Woah! Is that really you. Both you and Ardunce are weird tonight. One who used to spout nonsense be it a girl or a boy now talk good about and protect a girl and one who used not to care about other's business just saved a girl." Thedd said in mockery.

"Really?! Are you interested in her?" A smile and surprised eyes appeared on Aljun.

"Is she your girl? You never speak that way with the others." Ardunce asked earnestly and one could sense a hint of jealousy.

The three looked at each other.

"Nope! Look at you. The dashing, mysterious CEO of Frost Group of Companies, now being interested, huh! Are you removing your purity ring?" Aljun said in jesters.

"Quit it. Lend me a shirt. I'm all wet. The wine is a bit sticky." Annoyed with what happened, plus the fact that his suit was stained, Dunce decided to cut their jokes.

"VIP Box then?" Thedd suggested.

They all stood up and walked to the elevator.

The four went to a VIP Box on the fifth floor of the same building. The room was like a hotel room with a small bar inside. Ardunce went to the shower room while Aljun got spare clothes. Jaden then switched the 105" LED monitor and chose the one that focused on the bar's stage instead of tuning to other tv programs. Thedd just went straight to the couch and poured wine in the glasses. The four of them seated on the couch. They drink and talked more about business.

Almost thirty minutes passed, the stage welcomed Lhan's Band. All eyes directed on the monitor as the Lhan's group prepared for their second set of performance. Three guys and two girls. One at the drums, another guy at the organ, and the last one holding the bass. The two ladies however were tuning the guitar.

"How old is she?" Although there were 5 people on the stage, Dunce attention was focused on Lhan.

"Turning 20 this year, currently studying at Imperial University." Aljun answered after a sip from his wine.

"Woah! Our little guitarist is smart." Jaden exclaimed in wonder.

"Not smart, but genius. She's a Presidential scholar. She's an orphan, though I heard that she has adoptive parents. She's my girlfriend's best friend together with the other guitarist, Elise." Aljun pointed at the other girl on the stage. "By the way if you are trying to hook up and play with her don't. My girl will kill me. Spare the two girls. Even the fact that someone treated them as hostess, if my girl found out about it, she might break up with me." He calmly explained while leaning back on the couch with both hands stretched out.

"Did I ever play with girls? And who's your girlfriend? I haven't heard of her." Dunce squinted as he interrogated his friend.

"She's quite busy so I didn't have the chance yet to introduce her to you."

"How's that, Jaden is also interested at her." Thedd broke his silence trying to jokingly sow discord between the two.

"What?!" Ardunce and Aljun chorused.

"Yeah, I remember he said a while ago, I can't wait to bring her to my bed." Thedd picked up his wine glass and swirled it with a wicked smile on his face.

"Don't worry now that you are interested at her I will not pursue." He gaved Thedd the evil eye.

"How about the 'bring her to my bed'?" Ardunce intimidated him by locking his stare at Jaden.

"I will stop that dream now." Jaden raised both arms as if he surrendered from a crime he committed.

"Better." Dunce relaxed.

They continued watching. After their performance Dunce suddenly said, "Introduce me to her."

Aljun choked on wine upon hearing Dunce' formidable words. He coughed hard before he asked, "Wha-what?!"

"You heard me right." Still looking at the monitor. Lhan's band were putting the instruments in order.

"Fine. Come with me then and we'll take her home." Aljun yield when he saw the earnest conviction on Dunce eyes.

"I'll drive!" Jaden excitedly initiated raising his right arm. He said to himself, 'this is fun'.

"I'm drunk and can't drive so take me home as well." Thedd smilingly said. He also was interested. This was the first time that Dunce showed interest in opposite gender.

"Okay, okay. Let's use your Mercedes Benz Limousine, Thedd." Aljun agreed as he knew he couldn't stop them. 'I hope Fleur won't get mad at me. Honey, forgive me.' He prayed silently.

They all stood up. But before they went out of the room Aljun turned and looked at Dunce seriously and uttered, "Dunce, I'll introduce you to her but if you aren't serious don't pursue her. Lhan is a good girl. I am not saying this because I am afraid of my wife, okay?"

Dunce simply nodded.

Lhan was standing waiting for a cab when all of a sudden, a six-door black Mercedes Limousine stopped in front of her.

"Lhan! Going home?" Aljun queried.

"Yeah." Lhan nodded.

"Come we'll take you home!" Aljun got out of the front seat and open the second door.

"It's okay, boss. I'll take a cab." Lhan answered with a slight smile. But deep inside her she said, 'Who do you think would take a ride with four guys?'

"Ahh. Come on! Just treat us as big brothers." Seeing that Lhan has no reaction he convinced her, "For sure Fleur will kill me if she finds out what happened tonight. Don't worry my friends are harmless."

"When did I tell Fleur about my job?" She shook her head helplessly.

"I know you are not that kind of girl. But still let us take you home. I know you are tired." Aljun convinced her.

Lhan climbed in the Limousine after pondering for seconds. It might take her at least 15-30 minutes before she could take a cab and right at that moment what she wanted was to rest after a long day of tiredness from school and work plus the stress she got from the incident with Mr. Cruz. As soon as she entered, she noticed Dunce sitting. She bowed to show her respect.

"By the way, these are my friends. The one driving is Jaden, at the back is Thedd. This guy beside you is Ardunce." Aljun introduced his friends after Lhan settled in her seat.

"Nice meeting you all. I'm Lhan Avila." She gazed at them one by one, gave them a respectful bow then stopped at Dunce, "Ahm, Mr. Ardunce I haven't got the opportunity to say thank you. Although your actions were deemed unnecessary still, I sincerely thank you and also I would like to apologize for splashing the wine..." she politely expressed her words with poker face head bowed without the intention of offending the guy.

The trio was stunned upon hearing the words 'deemed unnecessary'. For sure their friend, Ardunce, was offended and Lhan was unaware.

Aljun thought to himself, 'this stupid girl is so stubborn'. Thedd opened his mouth, dared not to look at Dunce and shook his head, 'no one dares to questions Dunce' action yet this girl is digging her own grave. Ignorance really brings trouble.' Only Jaden was brave enough to laugh out loud. "Hahaha! Dunce, heard that?! Your damsel in distress is not really in distress."

Lhan felt awkward. 'Did I say something wrong? I am truthfully sincere, you know.'

"Hmm. Since you say that you are sincere, I do hope you pay for the clothes. The suit can be cleaned but the stain in my inner suit cannot be easily removed." He tossed her the paper bag with his damped clothes in it. "Get me same brand and same color. Dry clean the coat. You cannot hand wash it."

Ardunce bluntness astounded Lhan. Due to shock all she could say was, "Okay..." She gazed at him from head to toe with confusion, trying to read the man's thinking. 'Did I offend him?' She thought.

The three guys however found the situation a little vexing. Looking at Dunce with scrutiny, they found him childish as they know that he got irritated and offended when Lhan uttered the words 'actions were deemed unnecessary'. What's worse was that the young lady seemed innocent and unaware that she just offended him. Her ignorance added salt to injury. All of them were aware that his clothes' cost was truly expensive and Lhan was just a student. A working student on top of it. One or two clothes dirtied or ripped was not a big deal to Dunce yet he aggressively asked a working student to pay for his clothes.

"Give me your phone." He reached out his arm, his voice was quite imposing matched with his cold glance at her.

Lhan obediently handed her phone without saying a word like a robot being controlled. She's the type that doesn't want to be commanded but as she looked at Dunce intently, she could not help but be submissive. His deep grey eyes seemed to deluge her gaining control of her system.

Dunce typed his number and pressed call. His own phone rang. Then he cancelled the call upon hearing his ring tunes. "That's my number. Save it. Call me when you have my clothes ready. I am expecting to hear from you next week." And threw the phone back to Lhan.

Every word he delivered were pressing that Lhan had no choice but to agree silently. She looked at him like she was assessing and sizing his character again.

"What?" He crossed his arms, glared at her when he felt her stare, then looked at the window with a smirk on his face.

His civil yet arrogant actions made his friends scratched their head and sighed.

'This is way more annoying than harassment. Did I happen to step on his ego?' Lhan's thought. She also then busied herself gazing outside trying to recollect what she had just said, her lip pressed tightly and brows furrowed. Keeping herself not to spout words that might worsen the situation. 'I shouldn't ride with them.'

Aljun felt relieved when Lhan did not retaliate. He knew that most of the times, the girl was truly a stubborn one. His perception of her was that Lhan enjoyed arguing. Every time he stayed at their Flat, he watched many a times when Lhan and her girlfriend, Fleur argued. Lhan never stooped down and she was good at reasoning while maintaining an unperturbed and emotionless face. Fleur even suggested that she should had enrolled Law and not Computer Course. It was a good sign that she just kept mum. 'A clash between a domineering man and stubborn girl was not something appealing but dangerous, ' he thought

The three guys could only watch in awe.

Jaden's thought, 'this guy just wanted to get the girl's phone. What a suave manner to inquire one's number.'

For almost 15minutes, the car was awkwardly quiet. The silence was cut when Lhan spoke. No one broke the silence until they got closer to Lhan's place.

"My boarding house is just around the corner. Once you turn left at the intersection, please stop near the laundry shop." She peeked between the gap of the front seat and pointed her hand in front.

They remained silent until they arrived at Lhan's flat. She gracefully climbed out the car and turned to look at them to bid her goodbyes.

"Thank you for taking me home. I regret that I could not invite you inside as it is already late." She then glanced at Dunce. "Mister! Next time don't just randomly help someone. Honestly, your shirt's cost hurts more deeply than a slap from that guy. What a cheapskate!"

Lhan turned her back from the car and marched to the building in front of her without giving Ardunce a chance to speak.

The three guys could no longer hold their laughter. As Lhan veered 180 degrees heeding hr way to the building, they raised the heavily tinted window glass and laughed as loud as they could.

"Such a brave girl to give our dear CEO an advice. Interesting!" It was Thedd who commented first.

"Don't laugh. Of course, she is interesting. Worthy of being my wife." Unreservedly stated by Dunce.

The three of them suddenly turned speechless again. All they wanted was to tease him. They didn't expect his upright confession. Although they knew that Lhan piqued his interest, it was so sudden that he called her 'wife'. Within their circle of friends, once someone called a girl wife it only means that he was dead serious to be in a relationship with the girl.

"Drive! I want to have a good sleep now. I guess I'll be very busy these coming days pursuing my wife." A grin was plastered on his face. Disregarding his friends, he closed his eyes and sat relaxingly crossed legs and two hands behind his head.

The trio looked at him in awe but no one dared to speak as they lost their thoughts and they don't know what to say.