Fallen 1: Berlin

Chapter VIII: The Protective Employer

"Well, it was very nice to meet you, Winston Archer." Sage extended her hand to the man who had her laughing and enjoying her night while her friends worked to make the after-party of the hotshot professor a success.

"Enchante," Winston leaned down to kiss Sage's knuckles again, sending goosebumps racing down her spine.

He was the perfect gentleman and Sage could tell he was from Europe, somewhere. Apart from Berlin, Sage had never seen a person with such a perfect face. She was surprised that he was a science geek and the way he talked about his job passionately, made Sage want to quit her newly acquired job and work for him.

"I am free tomorrow if you would like to have lunch with me." He offered and Sage felt her cheeks turn red with blush.

She didn't understand why all of the people in that room he talk to, he chose to speak to her. She was never the one to stand out nor get any attention. Her friends always told her that it wasn't that she wasn't attractive, it was just that she always avoided attention, hiding behind her phone or pretending to look for someone in the crowd when people have a conversation with her.

Sage might have done that unconsciously but it looked like Winston Archer didn't want a no for his attempts. Sage was glad that he did so because he made her night bearable as compared to if she had her own company.

"Tomorrow?" Sage squeaked, unsure if he was asking her on a date or just picking up where they left off that evening; a good talk with the perfect stranger.

Winston smiled and gave her a nod, and Sage could have sworn the world stopped and stared alongside her at him. She felt her breath hitch in her throat and somehow she didn't want to say no to him. He asked politely and she wanted to say yes. She would have said yes if her hand wasn't grabbed gently suddenly and someone forced her to turn away from the mesmerizing Winston.

Sage blinked several times in confusion as her mind started working on its own again. She couldn't recall what she was about to do but she felt the dire urgency of it.

"It's time for you to get going, Sage." A familiar voice said and when she looked up, relief washed over her.

"Sir--uhm--Berlin, what are you doing here?" She stuttered in puzzlement, then turned to Winston, who didn't look happy with the intrusion.

"I am working and your friends told me to come and get you. They are waiting for you in the back." As he spoke, Sage noticed that he had already collected her bag and jacket from the valet at the door. He extended his hand to her to aid her to her feet.

"Oh, okay--thanks." Sage curled her fingers around Berlin's and turned to Winston before smiling apologetically at him. "I'm sorry, Winston, but I will be very busy tomorrow. I just started working for Berlin here and...." She leaned in toward Winston and whispered. "I'm trying to give him a good impression of me."

Winston chuckled and he too leaned in and whispered. "You can always work for me in case he throws you out." He reached for his pocket and took out a card, then handed it to her. "Call me on the weekend when you are free."

"You are moving into your new apartment this weekend. Not to mention, we have the company dinner that you have to attend." Berlin answered before Sage could say anything.

She didn't remember talking to Berlin about any of those things, but if the employer said so, then she had no choice but to comply. She found herself nodding. "Oh yeah. True."

"It seems you have to reschedule for another time, Winston Archer. Maybe in a year or so. Good night." Berlin added, and Sage saw him smile grimly at Winston. She couldn't help but wonder if the two knew each other. The way they were bantering was like old friends who hated each other's guts but couldn't help working together.

"Good night, Winston." Sage gave Winston a wave and followed Berlin through the crowd, their hands still clasped together.

Berlin's hand was very warm but comforting at the same time. Sage couldn't help but feel as if he had rescued her from Winston. It was not that she didn't enjoy the attention from Winston, but he was too good to be true. He was too much of a good guy and there was always something wrong with people like that. She would have loved to have his company again but she didn't want to constantly run out of breath every time he smiled and feel like she needed to do whatever he said.

Berlin also had the tendency of making her feel like she needed to do what he said, but there was a safety net around her every time he was next to her. She felt like she could rely on him and he would be there for her. Maybe it was the fact that he had rescued her ass twice already or maybe it was the fact that he was a down-to-earth kind of guy although he was the owner of the company she was working for. Either way, there was something about Berlin that comforted Sage, something that Winston Archer lacked.

Once in the backroom, Sage frowned when she couldn't see any of her friends there.

"Yes, I need a car to take Miss Wright home." She heard Berlin state and turned to him in surprise when she discovered that he was talking on his phone.

"But you said my friends were waiting for me." She stopped and looked around.

"I lied." He confessed and looked down at Sage with concern on his face. "Winston Archer is not a good person. I needed to get you away from him."

"Oh." Sage's mouth made a little O as she tried to decipher what he meant. She followed him out where a black car came and parked beside them.

Berlin opened the door for her and said, "I will tell your friends that you weren't feeling well and you went home early to rest."

Sage frowned and replied. "But I don't get it as to why you would take it upon yourself to do this. I mean, yeah, I can understand that Winston is probably not who he says he is because he gave off this strange vibe, but why would you care?"

He was her boss for crying out loud. She didn't expect him to go out of his way to do such a thing for her, especially since she had just started working and he didn't know her that well.

"I care because you are my employee and it is my obligation to make sure you are alright in any given environment. I am glad you recognized that Winston is not a good person and I would even appreciate it if you didn't cross him again in the future."

Sage didn't understand why Berlin made Winston sound like some wicked savage. It must have been a business thing or maybe the fact that Winston offered to give her a job, meaning stealing her away from Berlin. Sage wasn't even considering moving to another place because she was just settling in her new workplace and so far the working conditions were a wet dream for her.

"Alright." Sage nodded, not wanting to disappoint Berlin with further questions. As she turned to the car, Berlin placed his arm on the car over her head to make sure she didn't bump herself while entering.

Sage's mind was swimming in very expensive wine and when she saw that gesture she smiled and muttered, "Chivalry isn't dead."

Her eyes widened when she felt a warm hand against her back, ushering her into the car. Her heart sprang into action, wanting to embarrass her on the spot. Her skin felt hot as she turned around and looked at Berlin.

All he did was smile and make sure she was tucked into the car safely before he directed the driver to take her straight home.

"Good night, Berlin." Sage stuck her head out and gave him a little wave. "See you tomorrow."

"Good night, Sage." He said and turned back to the back door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Berlin made sure the car he called for Sage was gone before he went back to deal with War. Sure, Berlin agreed that he couldn't ask for any information concerning why Angelus wanted to talk to a professor involved in making a universal vaccination. There was something there, he was sure of it. All he had to do was to try and get to the Professor before he left town, now that he had concluded his conference. Berlin scanned the floor and saw War sitting by the bar, chatting away to yet another woman who was completely drawn to his entrapment. Berlin gritted his teeth as he made his way there. He hated the idea that there were new players on his turf. That was his city and he had been protecting it for quite a while. Having War and Angelus there was unnerving.

"Stay away from her." Berlin found himself growling when he reached the chuckling War.

The male turned his cherry-colored eyes to Berlin, then turned back to the woman and excused himself before he started walking away, expecting Berlin to follow him.

"I don't know what you are talking about." War sighed softly as he sipped his drink. "May I remind you that I am here on business and you are quickly becoming an eyesore." War looked up at Berlin in annoyance, then added. "Besides, that Sage girl is too smitten by you to even look in my direction--how did you do it? Did you use your Guardian abilities on her?"

Berlin frowned at the absurdity that was spewing from War's mouth. "What the f**k are you talking about?"

"You never seem to notice these things--maybe it is because you have been exposed to them for years. I envy you." War sighed, then looked around Berlin and his smile broadened. "Looks like Angelus has concluded our business here."

Berlin turned around and saw Angelus extending his hand to the professor. A sinking feeling went down his gut because the professor smiled and accepted the hand gladly, meaning they must have come to some consensus. Berlin gritted his teeth because there was nothing he could do about the developments that were being made by the new platoon.

"I must say, your boys are sharp at their work. Congratulations on making the professor's stay here a comfortable one." War placed his hands in his pockets and smirked. "Give my regards to your platoon." He gave Berlin a salute and made his way to where Angelus was. They spoke to the professor a little, then bid farewell and went on their way.

Berlin approached the professor and watched him carefully.

"Are you okay, prof?" He asked him.

Professor Dorian nodded and said, "Yes, I am."

"What did Seoul and you talk about?" Berlin knew it was a long shot and if he knew Seoul well, he would have embedded whatever suggestion he made to the professor deep in his subconscious. It would only surface when the professor was needed to carry out the activity.

The professor frowned slightly. "He is very interested in my work and his employer wanted to finance it."

"Anything else?" Berlin asked.

The professor looked confused before he shook his head. "Not really, just that."

That gave Berlin the conclusion he wanted. Seoul embedded a suggestion to the professor for the future.

"Anyway, let me mingle around a bit, say my goodbyes before leaving tomorrow." Professor Dorian said and went into the crowd while Berlin and his people watched the scene carefully from the corners of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sage entered her new office and the first smell that hit her was the fresh paint. She couldn't believe that that was the same office that she had left yesterday evening. The doors were changed and anyone who wanted to see Berlin had to pass through her office first. It was a spacious office for a P.A. and she was surprised that she had her own printer and photocopy machine and also a modern-day coffee machine. The waiting area was designed with the same features as Berlin's office. Two large white porcelain vases stood on either side of the couches with large green plants and when Sage went to touch them, she realized they were real.

Sage was amazed that the workers could pull that off in just one day. Berlin must have paid a good amount of money to keep them all night, working on a P.A.'s office.

"Good morning, Sage." Nellie's black pumps knocked softly on the marble floor before they were muted when she stepped onto the grey carpet that tied the waiting area together. "I hope the office is to your liking. I was able to give Candice a few suggestions to make you comfortable." her red lips spread across her face in a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

Sage had been around such people to know that they were plotting something. All she knew was that Nellie actually designed that office for herself. She did look like she really wanted the PA position and Sage felt like an imposter stomping on her dreams.

Sage returned her smile and looked around once more. A lavish office space that could make anyone jealous. She never thought there would come a day when she would have her own private space in an office, but here she was, working for one of the very successful companies and she had her own space. "It is very impressive, Nellie. Thank you."

Nellie gave Sage a little nod and handed her the files in her hands. "Since you will be working closely with Berlin, I think it is high time to get yourself acquainted with how we do things around here."

Sage quickly accepted the files and placed them on her newer and larger desk. "Okay..."

"Those are the client lists that we are dealing with this quarter. All the information is there about the services, the agreements and contracts, the representative, times of meetings, and the ending of the contracts. I will get you the rest later--"

"Sage. Meeting. Now." Berlin suddenly entered with his phone in his ear. He gave Nellie a little nod and brushed past her before making his way to his office whilst talking on his phone.

Sage turned to Nellie in surprise, then back to Berlin, who went to his office and collected the documents Sage had printed for him yesterday before returning to her and gesturing for her to follow him. Sage didn't expect to go with him to the meeting, but then again, she was the PA and, as Charli put it, his appendage.

Sage quickly excused herself from Nellie, who looked so baffled by the turn of events.

"Find McGrady and get that shipment back today," Berlin said tightly, making Sage take a step back as they waited for the elevator. He hung up and sighed, then turned to Sage. "I hope you reached home safely yesterday."

Sage nodded vigorously as the elevator doors slid open and they stepped into it. "Yes, I did. Thank you."

He gave a nod and sighed again and cracked his neck from side to side. Sage could tell he was bothered by something but she knew it wasn't her place to ask him anything, so she pursed her lips and turned away.

"Sorry I had to ruin your plans this morning but Lucian has an urgent matter to attend to and, since you prepared the documents for this meeting, you must have some idea about it." He explained.

While Sage compiled the documents, she was able to quickly look through them, so she was well informed.

"It is expected for your P.A. to join you for such meetings so I am well prepared for it," Sage assured him.

Berlin placed his hands in his pockets and nodded. "Good--because I have no idea what I am going to do there. Lucian is always the knowledgeable one."

Sage gasped in shock. She hoped he didn't expect her to conduct the meeting--

Berlin chuckled lightly. "The way your face reflects your absolute emotions is quite entertaining. I do hope you know that I was kidding." When he stepped out, there was a woman standing in front of the elevator and his carefree mood suddenly fell.

Sage watched as Berlin stopped so suddenly that she almost bumped into him. She quickly stepped to the side and prevent the accident then turned to the woman. She was a very beautiful woman dressed in a nude-colored suit. Her blonde hair came down around her face in shiny locks. When her eyes turned to Sage, her eyebrow arched up quizzically. The smile she had on her face slowly dissipated as she turned back to Berlin.

"Elise." He sounded shocked to see her there.

"Berlin." She said coolly as she adjusted her handbag on her shoulder.

Sage was envious of the kind of women Berlin was surrounded by. They were like runway models, with perfect skins, perfect bodies, tall and untouchable. She found herself clearing her throat nervously before saying. "I'll--I'll wait in the car."

Berlin gave her a little nod but not before Sage saw the grim look that appeared on his face. He didn't look happy meeting the woman there.

"Tried calling you but you don't pick up my calls so I thought to come and see you personally. Are you busy, right now?" Elise asked as Sage walked away.

"I am headed to a meeting. I will call you afterward." Berlin said.

As Sage stepped out, a black sleek car came and parked in front of her. She didn't think much about it and waited for Berlin to come out knowing that they were going to leave with the Ferrari.

"Good morning, Miss Hillary." The driver came out of the car and moved around it before he opened the door for her and smiled up cheerfully.

"Uh--" Sage stuttered as she looked back at where she left Berlin then back at the driver and frowned. "You are taking Berlin and me to the meeting?" She asked him in confusion.

He chuckled and nodded. "Yes, I am. Berlin doesn't like driving when he is headed to meetings. He likes to read during the drive."

"Oh, okay," Sage said and walked to the car then wondered. "Am I allowed to sit behind here with him? Shouldn't I sit in front?"

"Berlin doesn't mind." The driver assured her. "And I think it is best you sit behind with him because he prefers to discuss things with the person near him."

Again, Sage nodded and entered the car. She reached for her phone and sent a message to her friends since she had to leave early last night without telling them. She hoped they all went home safely. Berlin had decided to take it upon himself and make sure she left even before the party started. She could sense the urgency in him and he did mention that Winston Archer was not a good person. He was good company but something about him made her skin creep with dread. She wouldn't have minded meeting up with him again but she didn't want anything other than good company from him.

It had been a while since she went out on a date with someone because somehow she was always the one to ruin it. She was busy with her career that she barely had time to have a boyfriend and when she worked for Robert, she tried to date but the long and unpredictable times she had at the office had the man turn tail and run.

She turned to the window and saw Berlin's imposing body make its way towards the car and her breath hitched. She quickly scooted to the end of the car, making sure there was enough space between the two of them. The driver opened the door for him and he slid into the car smoothly, his enticing cologne saturating the confinements of the car almost immediately. He let loose the button on his grey suit jacket and turned to Sage.

"Sorry about that." He said lightly as the driver entered the car and they started their journey.

Sage didn't know why he apologized for anything. Berlin had the right to speak to his girlfriend but Sage was sure Elise wasn't thrilled to see her beside her man. She could tell because of the look Elise gave her. Sage could understand the look because dating Berlin meant she had to fight off competition and leery eyes from other women on a daily basis.

Sage gave Berlin an assuring smile. "No problem. Uh--do you want to go through the documents before the meeting?" She asked him

Berlin handed her the folder and shook his head. "I don't need to but if you would like to look through it, go on ahead."

Sage accepted the folder and looked through the contents and suddenly two tickets slipped off from the folder. Sage caught them before they fell to the floor of the car and frowned as she read them. Her eyes brightened. "You are going away for the weekend with your girlfriend? Awesome! When are you leaving so that I can adjust your schedule?"

Sage saw the way Berlin's eyes changed as he turned to her. He held her gaze for what felt like forever, making heat creep up her neck to her hairline. He leaned forward, his face a few inches from hers, and snatched the tickets away before opening the window and tossing them out.

"I don't have a girlfriend." He answered quietly.

Sage's eyebrow snapped up to her forehead. "But Miss Elise--"

"Is an acquaintance--weren't you keeping your mind from wondering about unnecessary things by looking through the document?"

"Ah..." she remembered as she turned back to the folder. "Uhm--yeah. Sorry about that." she quickly stole a look at Berlin, hoping that she didn't make him mad at her, and saw amusement dancing in his eyes as he stared at her.

He was laughing at her!

She screwed up big time by her assumptions but she couldn't help feeling a little relief that Elise was not dating Berlin. She didn't know why she felt that way but she was a little happy that Berlin was single. Without wasting any more time on unnecessary things, Sage quietly read through the notes she made as they went off to the meeting.