The Billionaire's Personal Assistant

Trigger Warning: Attempted s****l Assault HARPER’S POV I paced back and forth in front of the tiny wooden door with my bag slung over my shoulder. There was a high-pitched ringing throughout my ears and I could not think straight as I nervously bit away at my fingernails. One of my colleagues — Jessica — had delivered a message to me earlier this morning that Jeff, the coffee shop’s manager, was calling for me. I was feeling indifferent and I didn’t even want to show up, but I had to. Since I took a week off from work, making up a silly excuse – I had the ‘flu’, I didn’t step foot into the coffee shop, but now here I was. I didn’t know what to expect of this meeting. What could Jeff possibly need me for? It couldn’t be what I thought it was, right? I knocked on the door apprehensively, the hinges squeaking. They were rusty already and needed oiling. “Come in,” a gruff voice called out. I opened the door, stepping into the tiny office. It was significantly unkept unlike the actual coffee shop itself. A placard read ‘Jeff’ on the table and the room had a moist, skanky smell. The white marble tiles on the floor had specks of black, probably the ashes from the cigarette. The room was filled with the stench of cigarettes burning my nostrils. I wrinkled my nose, moving closer to his table. He was leaned back on his office chair with his big, stinky feet propped up on the table, and was frequently puffing smoke. “Jessica said you required my urgent attention, sir,” I said, looking downwards. I couldn’t bear to look him in the eyes. “Ah, yes,” Jeff muttered, as he blew a puff of smoke into the air, lighting up his cigarette again with his lighter. He seemed high as hell. At this point, I was scared out of my senses. Jeff was never this quiet. “You’re fired.” Jeff’s seemingly calm voice quickly surrounded the room. “W-what? Why? I didn’t do anything wrong!” I trembled, finally mustering up the courage to speak. “Money was missing in the cash register Tuesday afternoon, right before you clocked out. How do you explain that?” He laughed, as he leaned onto his table, bringing his feet down. “I didn’t take it. I’ve been working here for three years Jeff, I would never do that,” My hands were shaking at this point, and tears were at the brim of my eyes. “I’m sorry Harper, but you know the rules. No matter the circumstances, theft is not tolerable,” he muttered. He put the lighter out in his ashtray and tossed it in the trash bin as he stood up. He moved to the front of his table, leaning his butt against it, and crossed his arms. “You’re one of my top workers here and you know that better than anyone else, but without circumstantial evidence I’m afraid I can’t help you.” I nodded as I gulped harshly. I couldn’t help it any longer and soon enough, tears were streaming down my face leaving my olive skin a blotchy mess. The ringing sound was back and I suddenly found it hard to breathe. I can’t believe this. How was I going to pay my bills? How was I going to take care of mom? She had asthma and needed to frequently purchase medication to ensure her well-being. I was barely living off $20 an hour, but I made it work. Now, I had nothing. How was I going to even function without this job? It just felt to me like everything was going fine one moment, and then haywire the next. It’s probably why I was such an anxious klutz, always fidgeting with one thing or another. “Or… we could forget about all of this, and move on?” He stepped closer to me, brushing my untamed hair away from my tear-stricken face. His fingers seemed to move to my shoulder and moved downwards, brushing my skin as though he was tracing a line. I was uncomfortable. At my 5’4 stature, I got nothing on Jeff. My eyes were already glazing with tears. The last time I cried was when I was just a kid; I woke up one morning and I didn’t see my dad anymore, not that day, or the next, or even the one after that. “Um, no. It’s okay Jeff.” I quickly shifted away from his touch. I didn’t realize he had gotten this close. I didn’t like being touched especially by people I didn’t like. “Are you sure? I think you need this job, love,” he pulled me closer, one arm now around my waist as he tightened his grip. His lips were dancing on my neck, but it didn’t seem anywhere near romantic. The stench of Jeff’s sweat mixed with the putrid smell of smoke quickly consumed my lungs. His fingers dragged slowly across my thigh, moving under my skirt slowly. I grabbed his hand preventing it from moving further. Tears were on the brim of my eyes as I shook my head. “You could make me feel good..you know?” he grinned, his yellowing teeth directed towards me. I shifted back a little bit, stifling a sob. I didn’t want this. I gagged a bit from the harsh scent of smoke wafting closer to me, smelling even stronger than before. Almost as if he could hear my thoughts, he chimed in, “I know you want this. I’ve seen the way you look at me, swaying those sexy hips of yours.” I took a step back once more trying to get out of Jeff’s grip, but now I was between him and the wall. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, please let me go, Jeff,” I pleaded, as tears slid down my face. He shook his head, smacking his lips as he leaned in. His lips were now on mine, forcefully prying my mouth open with his slimy tongue as I brought my hand to his chest pushing him away. I was purely disgusted as I pulled away from him, but he just pulled me back planting his lips on mine once more. I was practically cornered. I whimpered as his hand moved upward, now dancing on the hem of my panties, as he tugged on them gently. His fingers moved into my panties, moving closer, before finally resting on the lips of my core. I didn’t even think twice, before loosening his grip on my waist and bringing my knee up to his crotch. He groaned, falling to the floor as he held his genitals. “Agh, you slut!” he cried out. I gripped my bag tightly against my shoulder, wiping my tears as I scurried out of the office. Outside the building was a breath of fresh air. I brushed my hand through my hair, pushing it away from my face. That was so damn close. I couldn’t believe that almost happened. I was frozen in shock and didn't know what to do until it dawned upon me that I should call Anya. I needed a break, a couple of drinks maybe. I pulled my phone out of my bag and phoned my best friend. It rang for a while before the dial tone paused. “Hey girl, what’s up?” Anya’s cheery voice squeaked through the phone. “I just got fired.” I sighed exasperatedly, my voice hoarse. “Wait, what? How the heck did that happen?” Anya’s tone quickly shifted to that of concern. I could hear shuffling over the phone; an argument perhaps in the background. “Jeff said money was missing in the cash register after I clocked out,” I choked out, barely holding back a sob. I didn’t want to cry out here. The streets were full of numerous people, hustling and bustling and the sound of New York roared through my ears. Then, I’d receive weird, pitiful stares and I didn’t want that. The sky was cloudy and the sunlight wasn’t as fierce as it had been earlier. I looked down at my phone. 5:30 PM. I repeated that sentence to myself in my mind, and it sounded nuts. I fidgeted with my emerald necklace, twisting it between my fingers. My dad had given it to me before he left my mom. I barely remember his face, but I always had this necklace around my neck ever since I was 4. “You didn’t take anything, I trust you. You’ll be alright. We will figure something out.” “You think so?” “I know so. You’ll be alright, I promise. Now, wipe your tears and get ready for a night out! I’ll be at your place in a bit,” she shouted encouragingly. “See you soon, A,” I bit down on my lip as I hung up the phone. I took a Metro bus down to my street and alighted safely. This part of New York was significantly quieter than the Upper East Side, where the coffee shop was located. I walked quietly to my apartment complex, recollecting my thoughts. My apartment wasn’t beat up and grimy. It was decent, and a bit aesthetic with various flowers, near the entrance, in bloom. I passed the entrance, using the elevator to make my way up to Floor 5. Outside my door, I fumbled with my key until I pushed the door open with a little nudge. Home sweet home. Thank God the room wasn’t messy. At least I’d have a clear vision of what I wanted to wear for my night out. I slipped out of my uniform and took a shower. I scrubbed every part of my body roughly as I tried to get the scene, that kept on replaying over and over, out of my mind. I made sure to scrub my neck thoroughly as well, digging the sponge deeper into my skin. I took my time relaxing in the shower, letting the now hot water run through my hair and skin. While brushing my teeth, I couldn’t help but slide the brush harshly over my lips scrubbing frantically. I felt absolutely disgusting. Glancing in the foggy mirror, I noticed my eyes were bloodshot and my skin was puffy. I’ve been crying all day. By the time I hopped out of the shower, I met an amused Anya sitting on my bed. “Ah! You scared me, what the hell?” I screamed. “Oops, sorry. I wanted to get here on time to make you look good!” she giggled, kicking her feet in the process. Her giggling abruptly seized as she observed my face. “Wait, you’ve been crying? What’s the matter, babe?” She stretched her arms out as I sat on the bed beside her. “Jeff-” I leaned on her shoulder now bawling as she wrapped her arm around me, her thumb moving in soothing circles on my shoulder. “Whenever you’re ready,” she sighed, as she sat in silence and I bawled my eyes out. When I was done getting all the pent-up tension out, I cleared my throat, “Jeff touched me..” I hesitated, “He touched me in places he shouldn’t have. He kissed me and I didn’t want it. He assaulted me A. It feels just like him all over again,” I babbled as a teardrop slid down my cheek. Anya shook her head, looking at me, “He isn’t here anymore. You have nothing to worry about. You’re getting better. Don’t let this bastard get to you.” I nodded, sniffling as I wiped the snot beneath my nose away. “Thank you for being here for me, A,” I hugged her tightly. “It’s nothing,” she chuckled, shrugging. “Are you still up for a night out?” “Yup, I think it’s needed,” I weakly smiled at her. Together, Anya and I laid out dresses and picked out the most compatible for me— a strapless black, sparkly dress that reached me mid-thigh. Then, Anya changed as well, and we both did each other’s makeup gossiping and giggling. By the time we were done, it was about 9 PM. “Anya, I don’t want to go to just any club.” “I have the perfect one in mind then.” Hand in hand, we locked the door and headed out of the apartment complex. I had to have a nice night.