The Seductress

Chapter 17

Jerk!

Nick DeMorgane is an obnoxious arrogant pig! I just hate him so much.

Yeah right.

I withheld my tears and walked into the apartment fearing the worst. I now have to confront Tammy. I think I should tell her the truth.

I walked into the apartment and the first thing I noticed was Tammy sitting on the couch with her wheelchair not in sight. 

I guess she's okay to walk now. I should have been there to help her . I'm such a bad sister .

" I see you're back from your honeymoon. How was it?" She said calmly but I could see the anger in her eyes.

" Hello Tamara. Good to see you too." I said with a sarcastic smile and was about walking away to my room.

" You've changed." She said and stood still. I turned around and our eyes met. She had tears in her eyes and the last thing I wanted was to make her cry.

" T-Tammy.."

" Tell me the truth Ari. Please. I won't judge you ."

" Yeah. Because you already did anyway." I said remembering the mean words she said to me.

" I-I'm sorry . I didn't mean any of those and you know that . I just want you to be honest with me. Can you ?" 

I shut my eyes and my tears fell. I had to tell her. I took a seat by her on the couch .

" Just let me speak okay? Don't interrupt." I told her and she nodded . I mustered up some courage and told her everything. From my meeting with Harry to the deal he made me sign and when I started working with Nick. I told her every detail including our trip to Italy .

" Oh My! I can't believe you did that Ari! That bastard! How could he do that? To his own best friend!" She yelled. " You didn't have to do that for me Ari. I would have handled it myself!" She scolded.

" How? You're still supposed to be on bed rest! Are you gonna work from jail? I won't let that happen when there's something I can do to stop it!" I yelled back.

" You're my baby sister Arianna. I'm supposed to take care of you. Not the other way round. I'll call Harry and tell him the deal is off." She said stubbornly.

" No! No don't do that. The plan is already working right? Just let me handle this okay? Please Tammy. You've been taking care of me all my life. Let me at least return the favor. Please." I pleaded with her.

" Fine. But when it gets out of hand, I'm stepping in okay?" She said and I nodded. She pulled me in for a hug and I hugged her with all my strength . 

Gosh! I missed my sister. It feels so good to be in her arms again. I burst into tears.

"I'm sorry Tammy. I shouldn't have kept it from you. I'm so sorry.."

" Shhh.. don't cry Ari. I love you okay ? I should be apologizing. I shouldn't have been so quick to judge you. Forgive me?" She asked and I nodded and we stayed in each other's arms for a while longer.

"Now..." She said wiping her tears. " Tell me how working with Nick is. He's so sexy right? Gosh!" She gushed and I smiled.

" You know him ?" 

" Of coursé! The question is who doesn't? Him and Harry are like the hottest men in the city! He was even voted for 'Sexiest man alive' last year. I hope he isn't as arrogant as Harry." She said rolling her eyes at the last time.

" No. He's not as arrogant as Harry. He's just a little bit of a jerk? Yeah. But he's a really good man." I said and ended there. I didn't want to go further on how sweet he is sometimes.

" Aw too bad. So how was your trip? Although we were still fighting , I hope you got me something! Tell me everything." She said and I smiled .

" Well.. it was great. Nick took me to the Roman forum and the Colosseum and we rode on his bike! It was so cool. And he also took me shopping and got me some stupidly expensive clothes . And did you know he could cook? He made the most amazing breakfast for me. And he's so handsome shirtless and...." I trailed off when I realized I was ranting about Nick and Tammy was giving me a teasing look .

" Why are you staring at me like that?" I asked her and she just smiled.

" Nothing. I just have a feeling you like him from everything you just said."

" What? No. Of course not. I was getting to the part where he's so obnoxious and annoying." I said trying to convince her.

" You sure Ari? I think you're growing feelings for him. And feelings mess up things. I don't think it's right to mess with his feelings like that either. He's a good man from what I know and he doesn't deserve it ." She said and I looked down in shame.

Could I really be developing feelings for him ?  Probably just a small crush. He is very sexy . And kind. And sweet.

Yup. Just a crush. Not.

I know what I'm doing is wrong but I don't have a choice. I can't let my sister go to jail. I pray it doesn't get so messy in the end. 

"Yeah yeah. Well you're more important than his feelings or any one else's . It doesn't matter right now. Come on. Let me show you what I got you." I said changing the subject and I was happy she didn't push further.

I showed her the stuff I got her and the things I got for myself too. I also showed her the pictures we took and she kept on giving me teasing looks and I couldn't stop blushing . That night, I slept in Tammy's room after we cuddled.

There was a loud noise disturbing my precious sleep. I woke up and checked the time .

7am? Who the hell is at the door at 7? Thank God I was off work today.

Tammy stirred in her sleep and the sound of the door bell became louder. I got up and went to the door.

I opened it to reveal a man with a bunch of white roses. They were beautiful and my favorite type. I wonder who it's for? Probably wrong apartment.

" Um. Can I help you?" I asked him.

" Arianna Rodstein?" He asked and I nodded . He told me to sign and I looked at him weirdly. Who could be sending me flowers?

" Uh. I think you got the wrong apartment." I told him and he looked up at me.

" You are Arianna Rodstein right?" He asked again and I said yes. " These are for you. Please sign here." He said and I reluctantly signed and took the flowers and he left immediately before I could ask who its from.

I closed the door and put the flowers in a vase. What if it was a plot to kill me? What if there's a bomb in one of these flowers? Or what if..

Aight. You're going crazy again .

I took the card and read.

I'm sorry .

      ~N.

Nick! He sent these flowers. I wonder how he knows my favorite flowers. Almost immediately, I got a text message from him.

Did you get the flowers ? He asked and I thought of ignoring him again but after a few minutes, I decided not to.

Good Morning to you too Mr. DeMorgane.

Good morning Ariane. Did you get the flowers ?

Yes sir , I did .

Can you stop the formality? 

As you please Sir.

I waited 5 minutes and he didn't reply . Maybe I annoyed him. I should have just obeyed him. I was about heading back to my room when he called me. I picked up immediately.

"H-hi.." I stuttered. Why the hell am I whispering ? I'm so stupid.

"Ariane." Hé said in a deep husky voice. God! I missed his voice. And his arrogant attitude. And him! I miss him.

"N-Nick."

" Why are you whispering? Are you in danger?" He asked worriedly.

" No. I'm alright. Why did you call ?" I said with a little confidence.

" I -I asked if you got the flowers. Do you like them ?"

" I do. Thanks. How did you know those were my favorite ?"

" It's in your diary."

" Oh. Right. Well thank you. What are the flowers for?"

" Um. I'm apologizing for the way I acted yesterday. And for everything. Am I forgiven?"

Of course he is. That's an amazing gesture to get my forgiveness. If only he had gotten me candy or chocolates though..

" I'd like to hear you say it first." I want to hear him say he's sorry first. 

" Why do you need to hear me say it? I already wrote it on that card." He said and I could imagine him pouting.

" I want to hear you say it. Or you won't be forgiven. And I'll ignore you all week and I know how much you hate being ignored." I teased with a smile on my face.

" You can't do that. I'm your boss and you can't ignore me. You have no right to ignore me." He said and he was probably gritting his teeth.

" We'll see about that Mr. DeMorgane." I smiled into the phone though he couldn't see me

" Fine. I'm-I'm ..." hé said and lost the smile. Why is it so difficult for him to say that? He's said it before.

" Why is it so hard to say sorry ?" I asked him disappointedly.

" Look. I don't usually apologize to people. Most especially women. It's just weird okay? Can't you just forgive me?"

" No. If you won't say it, then I won't . Goodbye Mr. DeMorgane." I said and hung up.

Arrogant asshole! Jerk!

I put my phone down and spent the rest of the day with Tammy.

********

Monday morning came by pretty quickly. I didn't speak to Nick again and I won't lie that I wasn't disappointed. Knowing his weakness for white. I decided to wear a white dress that exposed a little of my cleavage and was body hugging in all the right places . I just started getting comfortable dressing like this.

I paired it with a brown clutch and my favorite heels. I kissed Tammy goodbye and headed for work.

I was so excited to see Susan and Tasha again. Suzie filled me in on everything that went on while I was away and offered to buy me lunch . I obviously accepted and headed to my office.

I didn't go into Nick's to greet and sat down to catch up on all the work over the past week.

My office phone rang and I picked it up.

" My office. Now." He said and hung up. His voice almost sounded dangerous and I got a little bit scared .

I got into his office and founding him sitting on a little chair.

He looked so handsome and sexy! God!  Like He just stepped out of a magazine and was staring at me intensely. He was so tall, the chair looked way to small for him.

He looked at me and stood up. His hands were in his pocket and he had a very intimidating look on his gorgeous face.

" Do I need to remind you of your duties Ariane?" He asked in a low and sexy voice it sent shivers down my spine .

" I -I .." I couldn't speak. I was speechless and I don't even know why.

" Cat got your tongue?" He asked teasingly coming closer to me and I simultaneously took steps backwards until I hit the door .

" Where are the files I asked you to print Ariane?" He asked suddenly very serious and I stilled. What files?

" W-what files Mr. DeMorgane?" I asked him and he looked into my eyes and then to my lips before suddenly stepping back. Why did he suddenly move away? Does he not want to kiss me?

Why would he? When you brutally bruised his ego when you told him he's a bad kisser? Hell no!

Right.

" I sent you an email last night telling you about these files. Did you not read it? Or did you purposely ignore it?" He asked angrily.

Oh! I didn't even see the email. I totally forgot to check my emails last night ! Oh I'm so in trouble .

" I-I'm sorry Mr. DeMorgane. I'll get the files printed right away. Excuse me." I said and exited the room immediately. I opened my email and he had indeed sent me a message.

I quickly went downstairs to print the documents. I wanted to get myself a coffee so I didn't use the personal printer on his floor. While the files were printing, someone tapped me and I turned around and saw the guy I saw at Ruby's .

" Oh hey. Cedric right?" I asked and he smiled. He's really cute . Not as cute as.. 

" Yeah. I didn't know you worked here. How are you?" He asked with a smile.

" Well, I started about two weeks ago. I'm Ni-Mr.DeMorgane's PA."

" Oh so you're the new girl. I didn't think you'd last up to a week. So how's working with the boss?"

" It's okay. I guess.." I said not trying to give too much information. " Well, I should go now. He's kinda waiting for me for these files ." I said once they had finished printing. 

" Oh. Let me help you with that." He said taking some of the files from me. I gave him a grateful smile as we took the elevator. As soon as we reached the floor, he turned to me 

" Hey, are you free tomorrow? I'd like to take you out for dinner. Of course if you don't mind.." he asked looking nervous. I was about responding with a voice thundered.

" What the hell is going on here?!" Nick said and I shrieked in surprise that the files all fell down.

Oh I'm so clumsy. I bent down to pic up all the files and looked up at Nick to see him glaring at me and Cedric who was helping me. I picked them up and faced him. He looked livid. Furious would be a minute word to describe his expression.

" Care to tell me what's going on?" He asked me and I almost tripped because of how mad he looked.

" Mr. DeMorgane, I offered to help..." Cedric spoke and Nick turned to him and I could see him clenching his jaw and gritting his teeth.

" I wasn't f*****g talking to you! So shut the f**k up before I regret my next words." He yelled at Cedric before turning back to me giving me a look that tells me I should explain.

" He-he was just helping me." I said gulping nervously.

" Now listen to me carefully. Both of you. I don't f*****g pay you to flirt with each other during my working hours. I don't want to repeat the speech about this being a company with standards. You have to keep up with these standards but how will that happen if you can't keep it in your f*****g pants !" He yelled glaring at Cedric while saying the last part .

Why is he so mad? He just offered to help! He's so mean to people. Does he not even consider their feelings?

" It won't happen again Mr.DeMorgane. I apologize for being unprofessional. " Cedric said and I could see how scared he was. Anyone would be. Nick towered him and he looked so intimidating and powerful.

" Leave. Miss Rodstein. My office. Now." He said and turned on his heel to leave .

" I'm sorry." I apologized to Cedric giving him a sympathetic smile and taking the files from him.

" It's alright. I'll -"

" Now!" Nick yelled again standing next to the door.

Cedric soon left and I stalked to my office angrily. How rude can he get? He's so annoying !!

He held out the door for me and I got into his office and placed the files on his desk .

" Does the printer on this floor not work?" He asked me when I faced him.

" It does." I answered gruffly.

" Did you want to see him so bad you had to go downstairs? Who is he to you anyway?" He asked me with gritted teeth.

" I don't think it's any of your business Sir." I answered defiantly.

" Damn right it's my business! You're my PA. So whatever you do is my business! Get that into you pretty head okay?!" He thundered and I flinched a little.

" Did you see how he was ogling you? Did you see how he was staring at your cleavage? You like that? Huh? Do you?! He couldn't even  keep his eyes off your ass when you were walking away !" He added.

" My personal life doesn't concern you. And like I said it's none of your business ! So what if he was staring at me? Why do you care? Huh?" I asked and his lips were set into a thin line. He looked like he would break the wall with his fists.

"I'd like to leave now. I have a lot of work pending ." I said walking past him to get into my office when he held my arm and pulled me back to his chest.

" I'm not done talking to you." He said looking at me intensely. I couldn't even stay mad at him for so long. Just looking into his eyes could make me lost. My eyes left from his to his lips.

Kiss me! Kiss me! Kiss me.

Saved by a knock. Harry soon entered and Nick let me go and I calmed myself down .

What the hell is he doing here?

" Woah. Am I interrupting something?" He asked with a smile.

Yes. A lovers quarrel.

Y'all lovers now huh?

I rolled my eyes.

" Excuse me. I should get back to work ." I said exiting the room and this time he wasn't in my way.

" Tell Susan to get us coffee. You have the rest of the day off Ariane ." He said walking over to his desk and I just nodded.

"Good to see you again Ari." Harry said with a smile on his lips and his hands in his expensive suit pocket . He was looking at me intently almost like he was memorizing every inch of my body.

It made me uncomfortable.

You don't mind when it's Nick though .

Nick is different.

" You too." I said awkwardly before stepping out.

I told Susan about the coffee and went back to my office. 

Lunch came around and I went with Susan and Tasha. After that, I immediately went home and spent the rest of the day with my sister. 

But Nick kept on drifting back into my mind every single time.