THE HOUSE OF EVERMORE

UNSETTLES ME

CHAPTER FOUR

UNSETTLES ME

Elmore was sitting in Stuart's office, and he was going through some files on the desk. Stuart's desk was immaculate, no clutter, no photograph. Just files stacked with precision, a sleek modern laptop.

Elmore's eyes drifted all over the place, every thing in the office was either black or white, from the door down to the pen he was holding, she was the only colorful thing in the room, her navy blue pants, and peach blouse, paired with the golden jewelry, that were complimenting her outfit, her hair tied up in ponytail as always making her delicate face, very small and enchanting, the color of her lipgloss always makes face card more alluring, with her type of face, she could be used as a model for any magazine or newspaper cover, Elmore is epitome of undeniable ethereal beauty.

She shifted, crossing her legs, the leather sighing beneath her. Why does she always feel her pulse quicken each time she is around Stuart, especially in an enclosed space?

Stuart stood up and walked to the coffee maker at the edge of the office. How do you like your coffee? He asked.

Mmmmm was he going to make me a coffee? She turned her head towards him, his right hand placed on the coffee machine, his left hand placed in his pocket, his right leg crossing the other one, his raised brows gave him away, his thin lined lips, oh! God this man is damn fine. Elmore met his gaze unflinchingly.

Uhmm, I prefer less sugar, more milk, she responded.

He brought the coffee to her, instead of placing it on the desk, he handed it to her, his eyes fixed on hers, their skin brushed,

She felt cold shivers but didn't react. collected the coffee cup, sipped from it while he was still standing before her, their eyes still fixed on each other, she allowed her taste buds to savor the sweetness of the creamy coffee. Thank you, she said. Stuart looked down on her from where he was standing, the corner of his lips lifted a bit, and he trailed her face with his eyes. His eyes are lifting, brief, curious, not soft, not sharp, just warm and aware.

He walked back to his sit, positioned himself well, Ivy he called out, a good friend of mine will be joining us tomorrow, he will be working with us henceforth, while you handle the initial things for the time being, he will take over from you, so you don't have to stress over the multiple tasks you have to meet up with. Don't worry about him. I've already discussed it with Grandma Lily, and she approved. He is also well-experienced, so you don't have to worry about his capabilities.

He paused, the quiet stretched, broken by the hum of the air conditioner. Every movement was measured. International as if acknowledging her too soon would give him away. There's something about her, something he couldn't quite fathom, something he has to figure out alone, he has been stealing glances of her at every opportunity, she sitting face to face, across the desk was already a ticking time bomb for him, the way she walks, the way she does her job so well, the way she sips her coffee, he knew he wanted more, but he couldn't fall off track, he has to put an end to all these tension between them, the words they said more with eyes than mouth, still lingers in his head, her scent always leaves a trail in his nose, she smelled so rosy yet powerful, her composure was top notch, indeed she's elegant.

Alright, sir, if you say so, send his profile to me. I will have everything arranged before tomorrow, she stood up from her seat, picked up her coffee cup, and made her way to the door. She knew she needed this break; she felt relieved. For the past few days, she had been working with him, and it had been intense and edgy.

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The living room door opened, and Elmore was in the kitchen making dinner for herself. She ran out to see who it was, it was Emma.

‘Girllllllllll’, both shouted joyfully, hugging each other. You never told me you were coming back today; I could have come to pick you up from the airport. Elmore said. It's fine baby, I wanted to surprise you, I’ve missed you so much. Emma said, hugging her again. Well, you already know your way around here. I'm in the kitchen. Elmore said and left.

Emma, who couldn't wait to hear everything about Stuart, had her shower, quickly, and rushed down to the kitchen. Elmore had already set up the table, while waiting for her. It smells so good here, girl. While I was away I kept on missing your cooking. I don't know how you do it, but you do it so well. You combine work, household chores, and your daily and personal life together so well, without making any mistakes. Girl, you slay. She sat down, munching on the chips.

“ So,” are we going to talk about Stuart, or are you just going to pretend your heart didn't somersault back there?

Emma, I already told you, Elmore didn't like the idea of discussing Stuart. Something about his name and presence makes her shiver. But Emma won't let her be till she spills the tea.

“I don't know what it is about him,” she said lowering her head shyly not to meet Emma's gaze, “Stu Stuart…. Just unsettles me,”

Emma scoffed. She could see clearly that there was more to this. Unsettles you how? Dangerous, unsettled, or interesting?

Elmore lifted her head, and there was a faint smile on her face. That's the problem. Both, he walks into the room, and the atmosphere changes, he moves like everything is under his control, at the sight of him, even the air bows, he won't call me Elmor,e, he calls me Ivy instead, his husky voice powerful, yet soft. You can tell something is simmering underneath. He's so alert at all times; it feels like he's wearing a shield or guiding something only he can see.

“Mmmm,” Emma hummed knowingly, “so intense ”.

“Intense doesn't even cover it all,” Elmore replied. He looks at me like he is trying to figure me out, not in a flattering way though, more like he is trying to solve a puzzle. A puzzle he didn't expect, a puzzle he is being careful with.

How do you feel about that? Do you like it? Do you think of it in a good way?

Emma teased

“ I do,” Elmore quickly responded, then paused, or maybe I hate the fact that I like it, she said, blushing.

Emma laughed out loud “There it is, the truth ”.

Oh! Baby, you actually like your boss, and for the fact that's not a bad thing.

Elmore sighed, Emma, it's not that simple. I just think this is a mere attraction; with time, it will fade. Besides, there's more to it. He is so guarded, like he's carrying an entire past he will never talk about. His shoulder feels heavy; I can feel it. Every time he is close, I always feel awkward, I am always extremely cautious around him. I feel one wrong step, I might end up falling into the depths of his pit, and I won't be able to climb out.

Emma, we are not just talking about some random guy here. The person in question is Stuart Hale Yates, the second grandson of the Yates conglomerate. Girl I stand no chance with him. It was so visible that Elmore's feelings were hurting right now. Emma I'm not even allowed to like him. Grandma Lily Yates considers me her granddaughter, and I won't trade anything for that. The Yates are not just my workplace; to me, the Yates are more like family. I was nurtured and bred amongst them, even before I was born.

Baby I understand, Emma said softly, so what are you going to do?

Elmore stared out the window, It felt like she was looking for answers.“ Nothing. At least….. that's why I am keeping it to myself till this attraction fades, she replied.

What if it doesn't fade? Emma asked. Elmore closed her eyes “Yeah,” she whispered, "that's the scary part.”

Get up, get dressed, we are going out.

If you can't have the prince in the Castle, you will definitely meet another one on your way to the castle. We are going to the Havana Club. Emma said, cheering Elmore. Anyways, I forgot to tell you, I met a sweet-looking gentleman earlier while I was waiting for my Uber at the airport, damn girlllll, you should have seen this guy, he’s got the Mafia king looks, you know my type. Do you want me to invite him? I can ask him to come with any of his friends. Emma asked.

No baby, I just want it to be just you and me, I don't feel like entertaining any nigga right now.