Fallen 1: Berlin

Chapter IX: The Unexpected Guest

Sage was in awe as she and Berlin made their way into the Monte Blanc Restaurant. She had never been to such an exquisite place and it looked quite expensive. She was used to the normal eateries and restaurants but then again, if they were going to meet an important client, it was good to treat them to the best that that city could offer. Berlin's strides were quite long yet he walked with such easiness and calmness that it left Sage mesmerized. His thick and velvety voice alerted the hostess that they were there.

"Good morning, Berlin." the hostess looked up at Berlin and her eyes widened before her cheeks stained with color. Berlin gave her the details for his table and soon they were being directed to it. It seemed like he was regular there because as they made their way through the restaurant, several people greeted him.

Sage had to do a little jogging behind him and had awkward encounters with waiters delivering food to the various private tables or other customers who had to do a retake every time they laid their eyes on Berlin. He stood out without even trying to and she bet most of them asked themselves what she was doing there with him.

She paled and blended in the background when she was around him. Like everyone else, she was still affected by his presence, his voice, and his smile. He was her boss but she couldn't help daydreaming about his good looks. She wondered how all those beautiful women were able to concentrate on their work while he was around. That could be the reason why Berlin spent most of his time in the laboratories.

"Here is your table, sir. Please enjoy your breakfast." The hostess said softly and smiled politely before she walked back to her post by the door.

"Looks like we are early," Berlin spoke as he pulled a chair out for Sage. She didn't know that he expected her to settle down until he raised an amused eyebrow her way. "Do you prefer eating while standing?"

"Uh? Oh!" She exclaimed softly as she settled down on the chair. "Th-thank you. I have never had anyone do that for me." She muttered lightly.

Berlin frowned as he settled beside her. "Really? What sort of ogre are you dating?" He asked.

"I'm not dating, sir," she assured him feeling a little awkward but what the heck. He was going to find out either way. He was good at finding out information about people.

The look on his face made her duck her head low. It was a mixture of not being surprised but trying to be understanding at the same time. Sage cleared her throat and tucked a loose hair lock behind her ear. "With a boss like Robert, it is not easy to have time for yourself." she defended herself.

"Well then, with our flexible working hours, you will be able to catch up on your social life." He commented as a waiter came for their order.

Sage couldn't wait. That weekend she had planned to go and see her mother. She didn't want to put off the visit because her mother was making progress and she didn't want to disappoint her to the point that her health deteriorated again.

"By the way, we have a dress code at the office," Berlin said casually as he scrolled down at his phone then suddenly snapped his eyes up at Sage and she almost choked on her saliva.

"Uh...okay..." She had a feeling that was the case because everyone was dressed well. That was a big company and the image of it depended also on the workers. Sage couldn't remember the last time she bought herself something nice and not second-hand. She looked down at her simple cut white button-up blouse and her short navy blue skirt. She couldn't afford to buy any clothes at the moment until the end of the month when she was paid.

"Smart. It doesn't matter what you wear really but you should remember that the image and reputation of the company lie on your shoulders." He said then added. "My suit shop is a few blocks from here. They cater for the corporate world and always have the current styles and trends so I feel you will find great pieces there."

Sage's eyes widened as she looked at the suit that perfectly molded Berlin's frame. The stitching was top-notch and the style was current. She had no doubt that a suit like that could cost a fortune and that was something that she didn't have.

"Uh--" she started but Berlin removed his wallet and produced a black card before he slid it towards her.

"All expenses will be paid by the company of course. See, each employee has this little thing that allows them to access funds that can be used for different company-related issues. Accessibility to the funds obviously differs from the position you hold at the company. This is mine but you can use it while Lucian prepares one for you." He said.

"I couldn't--"

"It's an order, Sage," Berlin said and Sage quickly took the card from him.

"Thank you, sir."

"Berlin." He sighed tiredly.

Sage winced softly and nodded. "I mean, Berlin."

"Berlin..." A soft female voice came from behind and caught Sage off guard. Berlin smiled and got up before greeting the woman who came to join them. By the look of her, Sage was sure the woman was a celebrity of some sort. "I hope you have good news for me this morning." She said seriously and Sage could see she was a little unsettled.

"Mrs. Sinclair." Berlin acknowledged her and helped her to her chair before saying. "Lucian is on it. We are tracking it right now and we have its current location but we have yet to know how this happened and why someone would go to such lengths to get their hands on your package."

Mrs. Sinclair turned to Sage and smiled politely. "And who is this young lady? You are not the type to bring your girlfriends to meetings like this, Berlin. Do you even date?" She teased.

Berlin's grin caught Sage off-guard and she found herself looking away because her heart was about to stop in her chest.

"This is my new Personal Assistant, Sage. I am familiarizing her with my everyday operations." Berlin said and Sage turned to the lady.

"A pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Sinclair." Sage smiled back.

Mrs. Sinclair did a quick sweep over Sage's appearance then quirked an eyebrow at her and turned to the nonchalant Berlin. "An assistant you say? I never thought you were the type to allow anyone else around your life apart of Elise."

"Call it 'growing up'." Berlin teased as he rearranged his cutlery in front of him.

Mrs. Sinclair laughed lightly and looked at Sage. "You are a pretty one. I am a little apprehensive when it comes to working with Berlin but don't you worry. Once you pass all that gloomy exterior, he is warm and fuzzy like cotton candy on the inside."

Berlin made a grunting sound while Sage pursed her lips to stop the spreading smile from taking over her face. She wasn't supposed to take advantage and indulge in her boss' perturbation. She cleared her throat and reached for the glass of water that was in front of her before downing it. She didn't want to have Mrs. Sinclair ask her questions that she couldn't answer in front of Berlin.

"So, do you care to elaborate how you lost an eight by eight feet container in a road that was embraced by the woodlands on either side in the mountains, Berlin?" Mrs. Sinclair said casually as she leaned back on her seat and turned her attention back to Berlin.

Sage turned to her boss in surprise. For the two days that she had been around him, she had noticed he was a man who loved to do things in detail. He always cross-checked everything and made sure they were all in order so when Mrs. Sinclair indirectly called Berlin careless, Sage took offense on his behalf. However, she couldn't express herself just because of her personal reasons.

"I have a suspect and my team is pursuing as we speak. It is the reason why Lucian is not here today. I will keep you in the loop in case we get any leads." Berlin said lightly and Sage saw the way Mrs. Sinclair's shoulders relaxed.

She must have trusted Berlin not to let her down but Sage was trying to figure out how an entire container could disappear...unless it was an inside job? Was Berlin working with people who couldn't be trusted? Why would someone want to betray him when Berlin was considerate to his workers?

Sage spent the rest of the meeting quietly watching in awe as Berlin elaborated his competence. She understood why he was the employer because there was not a time that he turned to her for the documents she printed. He was on point, explaining all the logistics to Mrs. Sinclair until she was calm enough to talk about other business prospects.

Sage felt useless at that moment but didn't sulk much because Mrs. Sinclair's comment about Berlin having a personal assistant told her that the man was efficient on his own. Now that she had seen how he worked on the field, Sage knew that she needed to work extra hard to catch up and make him use her as his personal assistant.

"I'm counting on you, Berlin. You and I have never had this kind of problem in the past so I will give you the benefit of a doubt. This needs to be sorted within this week." Mrs. Sinclair said then turned to Sage who was idly sipping her coffee. "It seems that Berlin has yet to let you penetrate his self-sufficient lifestyle but don't give up. He is always been like this." She got her stuff and got up. "Kennedy has waited for me for over an hour now. I better not keep him much longer."

"I'll escort you out." Berlin got up and walked Mrs. Sinclair out while Sage finished off her breakfast.

When he returned he extended his hand towards her. "Should we also get going?" He asked her.

Sage felt her entire face turn red. She couldn't remember the last time someone treated her that way. This time around, Sage noticed that Berlin allowed Sage to walk ahead of him as if she was more important than him. It was easier for her to keep his pace in check as well as not knock into anyone. That was never the case with Robert who preferred that his employees walk behind him.

"When is my next meeting?" Berlin placed his hands in his pockets as they stepped out and the car pulled beside them. Berlin opened the door for her and placed his arm over the door so that she didn't knock herself as she entered and her heart fluttered.

"It is in an hour and a half," Sage assured him then stuttered and a little and frowned. "Berlin, are you sure you need a personal assistant? It seems like you can manage without one. I feel like I am just getting in your way?"

"Giving up already?" One side of his lips curled up. "You were quite imposing yesterday, what happened?"

"I question my competence." She looked down at her fingers and added. "I don't think I am what you need."

"I have over a thousand people who want to work for me and half of those are very competent personal assistants. After Lucian went through the vetting process, it was noted ten of those personal assistants were exactly what I need to work efficiently with the high-profile clients that we usually work with. Do you know why I never chose any of them?" He asked her.

Sage turned her eyes towards him and shook her head. "Because someone who is already good in their work can not be taught something new. They are not flexible and stick to what they know. I can't work with people who are like that--but you, Sage. You have no idea what you are doing, do you?"

Sage bit her lower lip guiltily and shook her head. "No, I don't."

"Which is perfect because you have the hunger to know and learn more. Our line of work is different from a mere security company. There are other jobs that we do and other services that we provide that need someone...open-minded to work, especially the person who will constantly be with me." He turned his eyes at Sage and they darkened. "There will be days when you will be forced to sleep at my home...do you have an issue with that, Sage?"

Sage swallowed hard and felt her skin heat up. "I don't have a problem with that."

Berlin smirked and turned back to the road. "Good, because I don't like sleeping alone."

"Huh? What?" Sage jerked up in surprise and caught the laughter blinking in Berlin's eyes. He was teasing her again.

She knew he was trying to make her comfortable around him but how could she? This was the man who owned a string of property not to mention one of the most successful pioneers of cyber-protection as well as physical protection. Being in that car with him felt as if Sage was intruding on his personal space. They were from very different worlds where hers was cold and cruel while his was gilded and perfect. Sage turned away and sighed in disappointment. She knew that she wasn't going to be for a long time because this was not her scene but she was going to work hard until they found someone to replace her.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Shel, you can drop me at the headquarters and take Sage to get any necessary things she needs for work," Berlin said and saw the way Sage jumped to oppose but quickly held his hand up to stop her. "I have very important people coming in tomorrow and I don't want them to think I am neglecting my personal assistant."

He didn't understand why it was so hard for Sage to accept what he asked of her. Other women would jump at the chance and make sure they wiped out his credit while at it yet there was a tiny little thing sitting beside him that screamed S.O.S but she didn't want to accept his help.

His guardian was screaming inside of him because every time he looked at her, his heart broke for her. Though she was head-deep in debt and poverty, she still held her head up and tried her best. By the standards of his company, she was under-qualified but the fire that she had, had Berlin believe that with the right guide, she was going to become the best at her work.

And after that?

Berlin quietly watched as a myriad of emotions played on her face. She wore her emotions out for everyone to see. She was witty and a little naive but most of all she was priceless. Berlin frowned lightly wondering when in his long-ass life he started having a weakness for witty, naive, and cute females. He cleared his throat nervously and turned back to the road.

After he was done guiding her, he was going to let her go out and enjoy the remainder of her life before her world was finally destroyed. Berlin was very sure the stolen cargo was either Seoul and War or Cairo. Those were the only beings he was sure could make an entire cargo disappear without trace which made him question what the cargo was. Mrs. Sinclair kept the details under wrap and most of the time Berlin had to keep the confidentiality of his clients. He contemplated on how he was going to ask Cairo because as it was, Cairo was willing to help Seoul and War destroy earth so that he could go home. The little jobs that they did on earth did nothing for their insatiable hunger for the large intergalactic missions.

Berlin could also feel the strain but this was the choice that they made. They had to see it through. Berlin reached for his phone and scrolled down for Cairo's number before he sent a simple message.

Did you do it?

"Are you alright?" Sage's voice brought him back to reality. He hadn't realized that he had zoned out in front of her. It was a little dangerous at times because if he couldn't control his anger, the guardian in him emerged and it was like a walking volcano.

"I didn't have breakfast." He feigned tiredness and leaned back on his seat before he closed his eyes.

"Uh--I'll get you something before I leave--" She fussed and one side of his mouth quirked up.

She reminded him so much of a nosey mother.

"I can take care of my own meal, Sage." He assured her.

She wanted to add something but slowly clamped her mouth shut and settled back but Berlin could tell that there was something she was thinking about.

Within a short period of time, they arrived at the headquarters and Berlin turned to Sage before handed her his business card.

"Make sure to visit the shop. Give them this card and they will take care of you, Sage." He said and he didn't wait to hear her protests. He made his exit and soon the car drove away. He placed his hands in his pockets and walked to the entrance where he was flocked by his security team.

Kerry approached him with a tablet in his hands. "Berlin, the three ex-marines that the employer asked about the other day have agreed to join the team. They will be here tomorrow for a debriefing. I heard you and Lucian were tasked with that."

"Thanks, Kerry, and how are the renovations for Sage's new apartment going? I think she will be moving in this weekend. Make sure you cross-check the security and safety."

Kerry nodded but frowned pensively. He knew better than question his superior. Kerry was one of his security that suspected Berlin to be more than what he was portraying. Though he was their superior, Berlin was sure Kerry suspected him to be much closer to their elusive employer. Berlin kept up the mystery because he didn't want to lose out on going to the field.

Berlin didn't trust Robert not going after Sage again. He did a background check on him and saw how sleazy he was. He was not a trustworthy person and Berlin wanted to protect Sage from him. As it was, Robert must have felt defeated because he was someone who loved power and when he had Sage cowering before him, he loved it. Now that she was out of his grasp, he was either going to look for a new victim or find other ways to terrorize Sage wherever she went. He still held her responsible for what her father to him so even though he was paid the amount he lost with interest, he still had it in his heart to think that he was entitled to make Sage pay for what her father did to him.

"By the way, there is a Cairo that wanted to see you," Kerry said and Berlin felt as if his entire body had turned into rock. "He said he is your brother."

"Where is he now?" Berlin asked grimly.

"In your office," Kerry replied.

"Thanks, Kerry. Continue with today's program." Berlin dismissed the security team and made his way to his office. He didn't know what he was expecting from Cairo but he was sure the male was there because of that message. Berlin wanted to get it over with even if it meant that he and Cairo got into a fight again...