Beyond Love

Chapter 3

After the call, it was completely awkward. We stood in silence until Claude excused himself and went back to his office. I worked straight until four in the afternoon until I was the only one left in the building or, so I thought. As I was about to leave the studio I saw Claude.

"Why are you working so late?" Claude questioned as he acknowledged my presence.

"I don't want to leave a bad impression on my first day," I admitted.

"That's impossible." He replied with the sexiest smile I have ever seen.

"Really?"

"Trust me I'm quite impressed with your work

," he replied

"Thanks," I replied smiling

"Have any plans tonight?"

"I do." I silently prayed that this conversation would not go in the wrong direction.

"And what might that be?" he asked as he tilted his head slightly.

"My boyfriend is coming over tonight," I responded but his whole demeanor changed.

"Cancel tonight!!" Claude articulated.

"W.. why?" I asked.

"There are business matters of complete urgency that must be discussed."

"Why not discuss it now?"

"I rather not." He answered flatly. "Make the call."

I made a quick call to Luke and explained the situation as best as I could. He wasn't pleased, but it couldn't be helped.

"Even though I have only known for a few hours you are so arrogant. Do you think I'm obligated to your demands?" I replied bitterly.

“Your tongue is a bit too sharp. I can think of a few uses of it inside of arguing with me," he replied with a smirk.

“Does that usually work on other women because it’s not working here.” I mocked.

"I'm used to getting what I want

," he replied arrogantly.

"Sorry to disappoint you." I retorted as I gathered my things.

"Good I'll pick you up at nine."

"Is that how you invite someone out?"

"That's how I do it. And I wasn't asking you out. I am inviting you out for a business dinner. Nothing much, after all, your boyfriend wouldn't be so pleased right?" He strolled off but came to a sudden halt as his phone vibrated. He turned to me and I could see his smile melt away. "On second thought, let's do it tomorrow. I have something urgent to take care of." And with a final smile, he left.

I should have at least know that something was off. She did mention that she was seeing someone, this guy that she ran into at the coffee shop one morning. They exchanged numbers and went on numerous dates. However, whenever I suggested that we all go out, he was always busy. I asked his opinion on Tori's boyfriend and why he thinks she wouldn't want him to come out with us if she was embarrassed by him. But whenever I raised the subject he would look uncomfortable and talk about something else. I put his reaction down to not wanting to get involved in Tori's problems, as she was my friend.

Around this time, I also began to notice that was never available whenever I invited him out to meet Tori and me, even with just me. Whenever I told him that I was going to be with her, he would look annoyed and getting upset telling me that I was spending way too much time with her and she is not a good person. I thought that was a very odd thing to say, but didn't think anything of it. I also noticed that Luke and I had grown emotionally apart, but put I based this premise down to the fact that he was stressed at work and we were busy.

I felt bad about canceling on Luke and called to make it up to him. The phone went straight to voice mail which was weird for Luke as he was in constant contact with his phone, obsessed with it. I decided to drop by after picking up my car at the shop. At the shop, the car was finished due to just maintenance being done.

I pulled up at his apartment and his car was there. I rang the doorbell but got no answer. I used my spare key as he might be asleep. The door opened and I stepped inside and I instantly had a gut feeling that something was off. I called out to him but got no response, I checked the kitchen and the living sitting area but he wasn't there. I proceeded to the bedroom and when I pushed the door open my heart sank. I was half right, he was in bed but he wasn't alone. Tori was there, both in each other's arms and naked with their clothes scattered around the room. I was so shocked that I closed back the door only to make my way back to my car.

Tears fell from my eyes and my heartfelt like it was crushed. The lies, deceiving, and betrayal was more than my heart could take. I tried to open the car door but my eyes blurred. I paused in my step taking a deep breath.

"Risa wait!!!" Luke yelled running out of the house in pants only and bare fee.

"It was an accident," he said as he tried to rationalize the situation.

"Don't tell me that crap Luke. Are you trying to tell,  that you both tripped and somehow how both your clothes fell off and you ended up erected enough to penetrate her?" I asked.

"Let's talk inside you are causing a scene," he said as he tried to usher me inside.

"Don't touch me. You're disgusting. How long?" I asked

"A few months ago," he replied as he ran his hand over his sigh. Ashamed as a crowd has started to gather.

All I could do was smile as I tried and drove off. At home I slumped against the door the moment it was locked. And I found my self in a fetal position just wailing until I passed out.

At work I ignored Tori at all costs. She showed no remorse at all that she regretted what she did.

"Risa..." she started as she approached me

"I have work to do and I don't have time to talk," I replied bluntly as I strolled off. I couldn't afford to break down at work.

Close to the time I was supposed to leave Claude called to remind me of our meeting. And hearing the pure and genuine happiness in his voice made me smile. for instance, I forgot about my pain.

I arrived home at about 7:30 pm and began to get ready.  I can't believe that arrogant jerk, basically ordering me to go out with him but I am happy for the distraction. And yet it feels like his body to calling out to me and I'm picking up the signals. I took a shower, went to raid my closet. Half an hour later I decided on a black low, v-cut wrap dress with the sleeves meeting my elbows. I grabbed my Christian Louboutin calf leather pumps, 4.8" covered stiletto heel; 1" platform equivalent peep toe with a Crisscross curved strap. I let my hair stay down. For just business date I looked good.

PING! PING! PING!

I heard the doorbell rang and hurried to open it. as I opened the door I saw Claude looking as sexy as ever. He wore a blue dress shirt again in his casual style with the sleeves roles up, a pair of black pants, and black shoes. 

"Well aren't you all dressed up," he said in a deep and sexy tone.

"Thanks for your breathtaking compliment," I replied sarcastically.

"You're so welcome."

"Just let me grab my purse and we can go

," I stated as I turned back into the apartment.

"Aren't you afraid you to get a nosebleed in those shoes?" he asked looking at me with curiosity in his eyes.

"No," I said laughing as I grabbed my purse and headed toward the door. Outside my little apartment, I saw the most gorgeous thing I have seen. A Hennessey Venom F5 was parked outside. I guess when you have the money you can buy anything.