The Loved Trap.

Tick-tock

It was weird, the way a certain brunette kept popping up in his mind every now and then. Nathan couldn't shake the thought of her off; he wasn't even trying to. He lazily trailed his toothbrush along his rows of teeth, lost in thoughts.

The automatic speakerphone beeped, drawing his attention. "Marlian wants you at his quarters by 8.", the robotic female voice delivered. Ugh-He thought-Just when I felt some calm.

He dried his face and walked off to dress up.

Cove

" You're never late. ", the aging red haired man he despised spoke from the end of the room as he entered. Nathan shrugged in all nonchalance as he took his seat. He eyed the several body guards surrounding them and shook his head lightly. " Start talking " he instructed. The old man smiled grimly and spoke, " About the packages. I'm afraid we may have different ideas. ". Nathan jaws ticked in annoyance. " What's going on with the packages? The plan was to fold and box them ", he shot.

The old man took a drag out his pipe, all the while looking Nathan dead in the eye. " Folding looks stupid. I want them packed different. ", he finally said, earning a scoff from Nathan. " So because of your fetish with a pleasing package, we can't be protected anymore, Marlian? ", Nathan asked as if offended. " Folding is the only way the packs will not be seen. You know that very well. ", he informed.

Marlian sneered and motioned to a guard to take away his ash tray. " You know, Gray, that's just what I hate so much about you. You think you know everything that there is. Mr. Smarty, huh? I'll tell you what, you're not my boss. I am not obligated to listen to your crap and I own as much of this as you do. ".

" Am I smelling a wounded ego? You called me all the way here to tell me how challenged you feel with me? " Nathan huffed out in a mirthless laugh.

Marlian's eyes were red and bulging in a show of anger which Nathan clearly chose to turn a blind eye to. " You're a dying man, Marlian. And chivalry is not what I expect from you at this moment. Not when I'm the one having a hold on your life. Your pathetic life, Marlian. I wouldn't like to bring your pretty daughter in this conversation, but my s*x haven in the west is short on a few girls. Think twice before calling me to speak s**t " he ranted in a breath. "You are bluffing, Gray. You know you are.", Marlian managed to say. "Am I? I don't think I'd love to stay and explain my ideas on what I can and can not do to you, old man. Tick Tock. You'll surely be a dead man soon, but sadly, your old age will beat me to it. ", Nathan said and stormed out.

You're wondering. I like that. You're torn between the idea of who I am and who you know me to be. I'm the same. Nathaniel Gray. Two sides of a coin is still the same coin, right?

Gray Pharma

Heads turned in the direction of the person who stepped out of the BMW that screeched to a halt in the parking lot. Every Single Person stopped and held their breaths as though scared to blow the image away. She took off her shades and threw her hair back in a sophisticated manner before stepping towards the industry building. There was this enchanting glow that caused everyone who sighted her to stare dumbly in awe whiles she sashayed to the reception.

" Hello ", the middle aged woman from behind the blue desk greeted with a kind smile. " Hello. I have an appointment with Mr. Gray. Um... I've actually been called here for work purpose. ", she said.

" Oh. Okay " , the receptionist said, checking her monitor to confirm. " Name? " she asked. " Brianna Adams " came the reply. The receptionist typed away for sometime, giving Brianna a chance to look around her new place of work. It was tidy, well kept but was not friendly enough to look like a Chemist.

" Yes. He will see you now, please. ", the receptionist finally spoke, " Seventh floor. Second room. I can get you a guide to find it ".

" Oh don't bother. I'll get there. Thank you ", Brianna replied with a smile before walking off towards the first elevator in sight. Inside, she exhaled a little shakily, finally feeling a bit of dread seeping into her as realization came to her again. " I'm now an employee here. ", she whispered to herself nervously. A minute later she was on the floor, nearing the office of Nathaniel Gray, her now boss.

Brianna stood in front of the door for a moment, thinking and rethinking all her decisions before knocking firmly. " Come in. ", a voice she knew all too well beckoned. She opened the door and elegantly walked in, a smile plastered on her face. " Hello " Nathan greeted cheerfully. " Hello. I'm Brianna Adams", she gave letting him shake her hand. " Please sit. ", Nathan ushered and she muttered a " Thank you ". " You're here as the assistant Albert promised, I'm sure. " Nathan said. " Yes. He sent this letter for you. ", Brianna replied, taking out an envelop and handing it over to Nathan.

Nathan was all smiles as he took the envelop and read the contents of the letter. " You're right on time. An office has been prepared for you. You might have to double as my assignment. That isn't a bother, right?", said Nathan.

" Um... no, no, not at all. I'm here for work, after all. ", Brianna said, faking enthusiasm. Nathan nodded and picked up his telephone. " Come to my office ", he spoke in a firm, commanding tone into the receiver, leaving Brianna shocked for a moment. Was that how easily he switched? Or was he calmer because she was new?

" Everything will be made ready for you by the end of today, surely, Miss Adams. You are a Miss, right? " he asked with a nervous chuckle. " Yes Sir, Yes. But please call me Brianna. ", she beamed.

" Well, Brianna, mine's Nathan. And no, don't be stubborn. We're more like colleagues so that should be alright. ", he said, not allowing room for defiance. Strict and Controlling? Brianna thought. A knock sounded and Nathan called the person in. It was a young man, donned in a blazer type shirt with the company's name printed broadly on the back.

" Henry, Miss. Adams' room is the renovated one next to mine. Make her comfortable, will you? ", Nathan instructed, a tight smile on his red lips. " Okay, boss. ", Henry said with a short nod. Boss?

" I'll see you around, Brianna. Enjoy your first day at work. ", Nathan said, giving her a genuine smile which she gracefully returned. " Thank you.", she replied, before following Henry out, but she couldn't deny that something about Nathan's last look at her was unnerving.

* * * * * * * * Next Chapter: Who is she? * * * * * * * *