Half an hour later we were sitting in one of the busiest restaurants. Among many known faces there was Oliver too. The moment Oliver entered the restaurant his eyes were on me. We were gathered for a lunch meeting with a few investors. I didn’t know he would be here. Andrew possessively kept one hand on my thigh. I am not used to this much attention. I am like a backstage crew, mingling with ambience but getting work done. Why? God, Why? There is one guy sitting in front of me ogling me and another staking claim by putting his hand over me. HIs eyes went from my face to my neck lingered there for a few seconds and back at me. Andrew was sipping water and examining some files. I tried to stand, Andrew looked at me “ I will come back in a few minutes.”
“Straight and then left.” He pulled me to his chest and whispered in my ears. “Shall I come and finish where we left off?”
I could feel heat rising to my cheeks. I left hurried before he could embarrass me anymore. For everyone sitting there, it could be a very intimate moment. I could feel someone's eyes on my back, but I didn’t dare look back. I wanted to disappear behind the door. I quickly entered the restroom and splashed some water on my face. I need some fresh air. No, I badly need to go out of here. Like now. Okay, my conscience stirred awake. Going out is off the table. Just relax and take deep breaths. One, two, three, deep breath. Okay we can do this. I am trying to resolve my inner conflicts. Andrew is way too possessive and Oliver is a downright creepiest guy. Fine. I have to steer clear of Oliver and put some, momentary, brakes on Andrew. Yes, this sounds like a good plan. I looked up in the mirror and gasped. Why is there a red mark on my neck? Andrew. I touched it and winced. I have no choice but to open my hair and hide this redness. I let down my hair and let it free over my shoulder and neck. Adjusting my jacket one more time, I opened the door to go out and there stood Oliver. His eyes blazing hot, looking at me he dropped his cigarette in trash and started approaching me. I took my cue to leave and I almost sped my steps to reach the main reception instead of this secluded area. What if he choke me to death? He caught my wrist and pressed me against the wall. His face was a few inches away from me, an awful stench engulfed me. Eww. I was trying to push him away. Silently I was praying that Andrew would realize my absence and make a move here. He moved a strand from my face and tucked behind my ear. He took all my hair and put it behind my back. I was stunned. “Oliver, Please” I gave a weak protest. He slightly removed my jacket and touched the hickeys. I gasped. He was watching me like a hawk. He tilted his head like trying to assess and next moment his lips were hovering near my ear. “I didn’t know, you guys are a thing.” I gathered all my courage, my heart beating hard, this is now or never and delivered a slap on his right cheek. He was amused, he gave me a toothed grin, and my heart sank to my feet. This is how I am gonna die. To my surprise, he moved away from me and I ran for my life. The moment I took a turn, I met Andrew. Apparently, my prayers were answered and Andrew realized that I’m gone.
“What happened?” He could sense my fear. I crushed myself in his arms sobbing lightly. Oliver just passed us. I didn’t have to look at Andrew’s expression, his hold on me tightened. He kissed my hair and repeatedly told me that I am safe. But I was shaking like a leaf. I felt the same danger when I was in the accident. I don’t know how much time passed and we were standing there in the hallway, Andrew holding me close to his chest and I listening to his heartbeat. “Eve, are you feeling better now?” I nodded still too weak to make a sentence. Andrew gave a lingering kiss on my forehead and broke our hug. Hand in hand we moved to our table. I was too shaken to look up and see Oliver. I knew he was sitting there. “Gentlemen, my fiance is not well. We will reschedule this meeting.” I looked at Andrew. His gentle smile and his eyes gave me strength.
“No, I am better now. Let’s finish this.” I whispered.
Oliver spoke up “Love birds, we do not have all day.”
After discussing to a length about the pros and cons of the new product launch and then deciding on the marketing strategy. By then food arrived and everyone started digging in. My stomach was in knots. Everytime I looked up at Oliver’s face, I felt like puking. He was serene, not a worry in his face. Wretched soul. Andrew asked me to eat something but all I could do is play with my fork and food. My mind churned with all the thoughts, Andrew, Company, Oliver.
Ughhh
At the end of discussion we decided the safest strategy for the launch. Somehow, I ended up being one of the project heads. This role is challenging and I will learn new things but Oliver would be there. I have to be strictly professional and maintain at least 2 feet distance with him. Meeting dismissed and everyone got up to leave. Andrew was holding my hand, guiding me out of the restaurant. “Evangeline?” I stopped in my tracks. I looked at Andrew, his jaw tensed like he was holding his breath. I turned to face Oliver.
“I was hoping we can talk.” Oliver said in a low voice. His stance fanning my nostrils making me vomit. I held my hand in defense
“There is nothing to talk about. I made myself clear earlier. Do you need another reminder?” He gave the same evil toothed grin. Does he think he is being adorable? Ew. Someone needs a mirror to check. Overconfidence.
“I think we started on the wrong foot , Eve. Let me make amends.” He stretched his hand. I looked at his disgusting hand. Amends my foot. I turned to see Andrew. I am happy that he let me fight my battles. I am no damsel in distress.
“Andrew, let’s go. We are getting late.” Andrew glared at Oliver and then looked me in the eyes. His eyes softened a bit, squeezing my hand, he led the way towards the restaurant exit. Drive was quiet, no one uttered a single word. Andrew parked in a driveway. Before I could ask him, he replied
“This is my apartment. I come here when I want to get away from everything.”
“I want to go home. I am tired.” I complained.
“I know, sweetheart. You didn’t have any breakfast and you were playing with your lunch.” He caressed my cheeks and I purred. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
“I can cook dinner for you and then if you want you can stay or I will drop you back.” He added.
First day of work ended up in my fake fiance`’s apartment alone. Nice touch. My conscience mocked me. Whatever. I am a grown up woman and can have dinner here. I argued back. But I also know this is not just dinner. I nodded and we got down from the car and started towards the escalator. Andrew’s hand was at my back making small circles. I was taking deep breaths, his gesture was so intimate, stirring emotions in me, emotions I never felt before, emotions I felt unnecessary crept up. As soon as the lift door closed, Andrew engulfed me in a bear hug. My eyes watered, all my pent up emotions surfaced, how much he knew me and I am drawn to him like a moth to a flame. This is so dangerous. I trust him completely, why? I do not have an answer to this. Elevator pinged to our floor made me jump. Andrew gently tucked my hair behind my ear and gave me his hand
“Shall we?”
I smiled, took his hand and marched towards the apartment. Andrew pressed his hand at one end and the door opened after a few seconds. What. A biometric lock. Are you kidding me? After coming in, he took my hand and gave my fingerprint to some screen mounted on the wall. I was curious to see what it is going to do. “Access Granted”. What?
“I added you in the records. Now you can access the apartment anytime.” with that he pressed me to the door and kissed me hard.