Chapter Two
1231 Words
Aria.
The next morning, I woke up, happy but worried. I hope I don’t mess up my first day at work. My sandwich breakfast turned sour in my stomach. I took a deep breathe, grabbed my things and headed out.
Vale & Ley’s lobby looks even grander in daylight— marble floors, mirrored walls, people in expensive suits moving like clockwork. I can almost hear my mother’s voice in my head. Don't mess this up, Aria.
I find the PR department, clutching my tote like it’s armor.
“Hi! You must be the new recruit.” A bubbly voice calls. A brunette with honey-brown eyes bounces toward me. “Chloe Bennett, PR assistant-s***h-chaos manager.” She holds out her hand to me.
I shook it and grin. “Aria Sinclair, professional latecomer and bus-fighter.”
She laughs. “I like you already.”
We chat for a bit before she leans closer. “Heads up— the CEO is around and he’s holding a general meeting today. He’s scary and apparently heartless but he’s hot.” She whispers the last word.
“Oh joy,” I mumble.
A few minutes later, everyone gathers in the boardroom. I take a seat near the back. Then the door opens— and there he is.
Perfume Man.
The CEO.
I freeze. My heart drops straight to my heels.
He strides to the front, all confidence and calm power, his voice deep as he begins to speak about company values and performance. I’m not hearing a damn word.
Because my brain is screaming— Kill me now.
I slowly sink lower in my seat, wishing the chair would swallow me whole.
His gaze sweeps the room— and stops. On me.
Our eyes meet. Recognition flashes across his face, followed by a subtle, infuriating smirk.
Chloe nudges me. “Girl, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Worse,” I whisper.
I try to avoid looking into his eyes as he keeps talking. But lord, I can’t help but steal glances at his charming face.
The moment the meeting ended, I tried scurrying out of the boardroom but since I sat in the last rows, I had no choice but to wait for my turn to go.
“Ms Sinclair.”
I turn around without speed.
Mr Vale walks towards me. I look around and notice we were the only ones left in the room. The room suddenly felt smaller, the air around me— tight.
“Mr Vale.” I force out a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes.
“Thought you said you didn’t want my silly money?” His voice rolls off his tongue, smooth like butter.
“I don’t understand sir” I feign ignorance as I try to avoid looking into those green eyes.
He smirks.
“Alright, Spit fire. I guess I’d have to find someone else to replace you” his eyes are filled with amusement.
I bite my lip, holding in every word that wanted to come out from my mouth at that moment.
“My name is Aria Sinclair, and not spit fire.”
“I’m- I’m sorry for what happened yesterday but I need this job.”
Mr Vale moves towards me, closing every inch between us as I move backwards until my body hits the wall, leaving a tiny distance between us. I could feel his soft breathe touch the exposed skin on my neck.
He hovers above me for a moment, I hold in my breathe trying not to buckle under his intimidating gaze.
He smiles and walks out of the room.
I let out a heavy sigh. What was that? I don’t need this type of distraction in my life right now. Aria remember you have a rent to pay so get to work now. A voice in my head says.
I hurry back to my desk and continue my work. Chloe had put me through everything I’d be doing for the main time. She’s such a sweetheart.
***
“Hey darling. I’m clocking out. I’d see you tomorrow” Chloe’s bubbly voice grabs my attention.
“Alright Ms Bennett” I didn’t want to call her on first name.
“Oh come on Aria. It’s chloeeee” she drags out the last word before running out. Her heels clacking against the floor. At least someone likes me in this building.
I checked the time, 5pm. I still had to pile up some paperwork and send it to the marketing department.
“Still working Ms Sinclair?” A voice distracts me
I get to my feet “Hello Mr—“ how could I forget my boss’s name already.
“Leybourn.” He chuckles
“But just call me Ethan. Nothing serious”
“Alright”
“I wanted to say thank you for giving me a chance at the interview. I’m really grateful”
“Oh it’s nothing. You could make me coffee to thank me” He tilts his head to the office cafe. Chloe had given a tour earlier.
“I’d be glad.” I say
“Just joking with you. Unless you actually want to make me coffee… I don’t mind.” he raises both arms in a defensive manner.
“Sure it’s no biggie” I responded.
We walk to the break room and I make him a black coffee while I just have an orange juice.
“You don’t like coffee?” He asks after taking a sip of the hot coffee in his mug.
“I do… I’ve just had enough for the day”
“Hmm… you’re right. I probably shouldn’t be having this but I’ll take it since it’s from you” his smile is soft.
“Chatting with employees who should be working” The deep voice says.
I startle, like a kid who had just been caught stealing candy— almost spilling the juice in my hands.
Ethan gets to his feet. “Don’t be a killjoy Xander. Cheer up” he taps Mr Vale’s shoulder twice before turning to me.
He winks then says, “see you at work tomorrow” before he heads out.
Now it is just us in the room. His presence is overwhelming. I don’t like how my body reacts to him. It was strange.
“I see you’re already gaining favors with your superiors.” His voice is cool and calm.
“No-no, I promise, that’s not what it looks like—”
“It’s getting late, you should clock out now.” He says as he walks towards the coffee machine and starts making himself a cup of espresso.
“I just have a teeny bit of work to do and I’ll be out of your sight. I promise” that wasn't what I meant to say. Aria can you please control your mouth?
I run out of the room before he says another word. The air feels lighter the moment I step out of the room.
I walk to my desk and finish up my work before leaving.
I smell Mr Vale’s cologne swoosh pass me. I look behind me and see him walking towards the door.
How does this arrogant prick have so much effect on me? Maybe you should charge that vibrator tonight. A voice in my head says.
A smile lingers on my lips.
Maybe.
- Writer
