The Brute

by Tarrah Anders

Chapter Thirteen

  Benjamin

  It's too early in the morning for this shit.

  Everyone who works here knows I prefer my meetings to be mid-morning and not first thing. But here we are, sitting at the table in my office waiting for Maggie to arrive and start in on us. The air is thick and it’s too quiet as Bella and I sit side-by-side.

  Maggie walks in and sits opposite us. She places a notepad and a pen in front of her, takes a sip of her coffee, and then looks up at us.

  “I carefully considered how to approach this discussion. Isabella, I am glad you are here with us this morning,” Maggie starts, politely nodding to Bella.

  “Me too,” Bella says quietly.

  “I want to start out by saying I am extremely happy that Benjamin has found someone. While it's not ideal for that someone to be his direct employee, I think this conversation today can help us come to some agreement on the future with the company and relationships that may pose as a liability for the company.”

  “Let’s hear what you have to say,” I say quickly, wanting her to just get on with it.

  “I've known you for a long time, Benjamin. I know your character – your true character. I also know you were thrown into leading the company and since then you have grown into a force to be reckoned with. You are passionate about this company and the work we do here. You want this company to continue to grow and to flourish and you don't want anything unfortunate to happen to it or your family name. I know that in the recent past we have spoken a few times regarding adding a new section to the employee handbook forbidding employee fraternization, which you declined.”

  “That’s correct.” I nod.

  “Your father never saw a need for it either. But times have changed since your father led Adams Enterprises. There's a lot more workplace harassment that is talked about these days versus twenty years ago and that is unfortunate that some have felt the need to sweep harassment under the rug so often. There's always that one person who ruins something for everyone else. But it's the harsh truth of the business world as we see it today. I don’t want some people to ruin things for others. Or to take advantage of the company policies.” She pauses, looking to the both of us.

  I speak up. “The last thing I want is for any employee here at Adams Enterprises to have to go through any of those things.”

  “And that's why our staff is paid based on experience. That’s why we have a sexual harassment prevention seminar annually. I'm sure there are other situations where employees have dated one another, but, like your relationship, it's been kept under wraps.”

  “And we will continue to do so. That was the primary stipulation when we decided to get involved: our personal lives and our professional lives will not mingle.”

  “I'm afraid that the chain of command here makes it difficult for that to be completely true, you could say something that Isabella may take personally. Or another staffer could flirt with Isabella and you may react to that. We can’t predict how either of you would react now that you have personal feelings with one another.” Maggie says. I hear Bella gasp and see her wringing her hands a little harder in her lap.

  “Now what are you trying to say here? I'm not firing her, and she's not leaving my side,” I say to Maggie firmly, my hand reaching to grasp Bella’s.

  “Benjamin, can you confidently say that you can be objective about the work that Isabella does?” she asks pointedly.

  “I can,” I say with conviction.

  “And Isabella, can you take criticism from Benjamin without thinking its personal?”

  “I think the fact that I haven't quit yet indicates that I can, ma'am.” Bella holds her head high.

  Maggie nods and jots down a few notes on her notepad. She puts her pen down, folds her hands together and sighs.

  “What I propose here is written disclosure, which will be added to the handbook. Employees will be required to disclose their romantic relationships with other employees of Adams Enterprises to Human Resources. Having this information up front will help HR determine how to respond appropriately to complaints of harassment, favoritism, or discrimination. The employees will need to sign a contract outlining appropriate behavior. This contract will also include an acknowledgement regarding sexual harassment and will remain in their employee file for the duration of their employment. And for a period of time outlined by the company lawyers after employment.”

  “And what if staff members are unwilling to sign this relationship contract?” I ask, playing devil's advocate.

  “Then we would need to seek either a transfer or termination,” Maggie states.

  “I think this could be a good compromise. As you know, I don't like telling others what they can and cannot do in their personal lives. With this relationship contract, Adams Enterprises doesn’t have to be the bad guy, but can still shield itself from liability related to relationships between employees.”

  “If I could make a suggestion to the contract, I’m not sure if this would be a standard, but it’s worth mentioning. I would think it would be beneficial to include no public displays of affection in the workplace that would make others uncomfortable and if the relationship was to not work out, that no retaliation can occur to one’s position within the company,” Bella offers.

  Maggie nods and smiles. She writes down some more notes and then looks up to the both of us. “That was one of the plans that I wanted to put in place within this change. Thank you Isabella for your thoughts on the matter.”

  “You two will be the first to sign the contract. If you agree to, of course.”

  “We will,” Bella and I say in unison.

  “Marvelous. I will meet with our lawyers and we will draft up contracts. Ben, you will need to look them over and approve. I want to thank the both of you for your time this morning and the professionalism that you both have displayed in this situation. I know personal business in the workplace is not ideal, but I think that we accomplished what I was hoping for.” Maggie stands.

  “Once you’ve drafted the wording for the addition to the employee handbook, send that over to Bella when you can so she can add it to one of my daily tasks and have it on my desk for my review.” I say as I stand and button my jacket.

  Maggie nods and then leaves to go back to her office. Bella and I turn to each other. We each let out a breath. I walk to sit behind my desk as she takes a seat at one of the chairs in front. She has her notepad in her hand and her pen ready.

  “I'm glad that went smoothly,” I sigh.

  “Me too. I was worried.”

  “Some businesses ban employee relationships, some overlook them. But I think the route we are taking lets employees feel like adults, like they can make choices as they see fit. I wouldn't want to be the company that forbids it.” I fumble with my jacket buttons and pull it off.

  “Well, now that that is over, let's get to work.” She smiles.

  “Such a workaholic.” I laugh.

  “Well, there are company rules we have to follow, along with our own.”

  “We haven't signed anything yet,” I remind her.

  “We’ve had our own rule from the start of this relationship: Not at work.”

  “Except that one time,” I tease.

  “Except that once.” She nods with a roll of her eyes.

  “And that kiss yesterday.”

  “Shut up. Let's get to work,” she mumbles, crossing her legs over another, poised to start our morning agenda.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Benjamin

  I reviewed several drafts of both the new relationship contract and the additions to the employee handbook over the past few weeks. Once I approved everything, Bella and I sat in Maggie’s office and signed the first contract. We rolled out the new addition to the handbook and scheduled a seminar. I feel positive that what we're doing is a step forward for the business and in our relationship.

  Three weeks after the meeting with Maggie, the relationship between Bella and myself, aside that we're growing c
loser as we somehow felt that our relationship was no longer something that can be construed as not allowed. We continue to keep our personal lives out of the office and no one notices the small smiles she gives me or the number of times I've checked out her ass when she's walking in front of me, which happens to be eleven times today alone. Not that I'm counting.

  I'm walking out of my office for the day when I catch a few other staffers lingering by Bella's door. I quietly stride up behind them and overhear something about happy hour, plenty of guys, and an invitation for Bella to join them. She politely declines and they plead with her to come out.

  I've only heard of her going out with one other person – her friend Felipe. Never once in the five months we’ve been together has she mentioned going out with people from work. So used to being in our bubble, I forget she must have a life outside of me. We aren't together every night, but we are more often than not. I don't want her to feel she can't go out and enjoy herself just because she and I are together.

  I clear my throat, making my presence known. The women in front of the door freeze and their eyes go wide as they notice it is me.

  “Good evening, Mr. Adams,” A short brunette with her hair up and glasses says quietly.

  “Ladies,” I acknowledge them. “I need to speak with Isabella before I leave.”

  They scatter quickly as if I've frightened them. I turn to Bella and smile.

  “Was that necessary?” She eyes me.

  “Probably not. Go out with them tonight. I plan to go to the gym and then I have my monthly dinner plans.”

  “I'm not feeling like it. I was planning on just going home tonight.”

  “Go. Socialize,” I urge her.

  “You sure?” she asks, her interest piqued. “I was think of coming over tonight.”

  “My Bella, I don't want to hold you in my castle like you're under lock and key. I know you rarely go out; I know I hog your time. I don't want you to get bored with our relationship, to feel like you don’t do anything outside of us.”

  “Just so you know, I wasn't not going because of you,” she says.

  “I know.”

  “As long as you know that, Mr. Adams.” She crosses her arms.

  “I would love to kiss that defiance right out of your mouth right now,” I tease her.

  “Too bad you can't.” She smiles a wicked smile and winks.

  “Tauntress. I'll see you tonight then?” I ask, lingering in the doorway.

  “If you're lucky.” She picks at her nails, acting as if she's not affected by me.

  “Oh, I'm feeling lucky.” I rap my knuckles on the doorway twice and wink at her as I exit and head towards the elevators. I turn to face her once in the elevator and she's already on the phone, likely calling her co-workers to tell them she changed her mind. She waves at me and I press the down button.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Bella

  “I can't believe this is the first time you've come out with us! I could have sworn we've invited you before,” Tina, the brunette with glasses, exclaims before she takes a large gulp of her colorful drink.

  I toy with the straw of my mojito and smile. “You guys have, I just haven't had time. I figured that I should start getting out though. So, here I am!”

  “Cheers to that!” Tina says, holding up her drink. She and I clink glasses as two others from work join us.

  “Bella. You have to tell us everything about you. You work for Mr. Adams; is he as scary as he seems to be?” Megan, the blonde, asks.

  “He is. But I've learned how to manage him and his moods.” I smile, then take a sip of my drink. Oh, this is good. I take another sip and smile.

  “Lucky girl. He is one gorgeous specimen, even if he's a complete animal. I wouldn't mind letting him sink his claws into me.” Megan gushes, as she leans in closer.

  I fight the urge to get territorial and to lash out with jealousy. Instead, I take another sip of my drink.

  “Oh, please. You have enough with your affair with Micah.” Tina rolls her eyes. Micah is one of the directors in the software department. I thought he was happily married.

  “Yeah, but now there's that new policy and he doesn’t want to sign the stupid love contract, in fear of his boss finding out.”

  “Or that your affair would be frowned on by HR since he's cheating on his wife and he might not be considered as someone with a good head on his shoulders,” I add mindlessly.

  “Exactly, that!” Tina points at me.

  “I think the policy was created because someone – maybe it was Micah – couldn't keep his pen in his pocket and instead wanted to sample the company ink,” Tina explains.

  “I know there was no policy previously, so maybe it was just time,” I defend.

  “Something had to have sparked the interest of management. Didn't you attend the gala earlier this year with Mr. Adams? Maybe that was it.” I can practically see the light bulb come on over her head. “Hold the phone a minute here, is something happening between you and Mr. Adams?” Megan covers her mouth in shock.

  I laugh it off, feeling the effects of my drink. “I was his date because he forgot to get one. It was a work thing; really, that’s all it was.”

  “Maybe the gala is the reason then.” Tina nods.

  “The policy didn't come across Ben's— I mean, Mr. Adams’ desk until recently though. So, I doubt it.”

  “There are so many conspiracies here. Oh, I'm empty.” Megan frowns, looking at the cup in her hand. “I want another drink!” She switches topics as she waves her hand in the air to catch the attention of the waiter. She bats her eyes and orders us another round of drinks before I can decline.

  I stumble into the foyer once the elevator door opens, nearly crashing into the entry table. I drop my shoes, which I removed in the car ride over here, and hold onto the wall for support as I set off to locate Ben.

  I giggle as thoughts from the night run hazily through my head. I bump into a framed picture on a wall and snort loudly.

  “Hey, picture. Sorry,” I say through a fit of giggles. I try to right myself and continue down the hallway.

  When did this hallway get so long? I get to the first doorway and remember that it's a bathroom. I pause in the doorway, holding onto both sides. Did I need to go to the bathroom? What am I doing here? I shrug and enter the bathroom, not sure how long I was in there or if I did anything. Either way, I flush and wash my hands. I look at the mirror in front of me and there is two of me, possibly three. I try to fix my hair, but give up and put it in a messy bun instead and then leave the confines of the small room.

  I exit to the left and when I reach the picture on the wall again, I realize I went the wrong way and turn around to head in the direction of the bedroom. Again.

  I continue to use the wall to guide me all the way to Ben's room. Once I am there, I feel relieved. I disrobe as I cross the room, leaving a trail of clothes on the floor, then crawl from the foot of the bed to his side. Ben wakes to the sudden movement and my clumsy attempts to nestle against him.

  He brushes the hair away from my face and I think he smiles at me. I'm not sure. Up close, right now, he's blurry. But I can smell the spearmint toothpaste he uses and I smile.

  “I can tell you had fun,” he comments.

  “I had some, yes.” I slur. I know I'm slurring.

  “Maybe too much fun?”

  “There's nothing of a sort.” I hiccup.

  “Let me grab you some water and aspirin and get you to sleep, yeah?” His tone is soothing.

  “Okays.” I close my eyes and snuggle into the pillow.

  Moments later, I wake to my shoulder being shaken. Ben holds out a glass and pills to me, pushing them closer when my eyes open a bit more. I lean up on my elbows and take the glass from him. I open my mouth and Ben smiles as he places the pills on my tongue. I chug the water and then hand the glass back to him.

  “Sank you,” I mumble and lie back down, succumbing to sleep. I feel Ben get back into bed beside me and pul
l me to him. That’s the last thing I notice until morning.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Benjamin

  Bella is lightly snoring beside me in the morning when I wake. She's curled up with one of her knees up to her chest. Half of the blankets are kicked off of her, and her arms are clutching the half of her pillow she is laying on. Her clothes are scattered all over the bedroom floor and she's comfortably naked. Her mouth is slightly open, and her hair covers most of her face. I go through the motions to get ready for work and wait until the last minute to wake her up.

  I rub her shoulder and sit down beside her. She takes a moment before she opens her eyes and when she focuses on me, she looks surprised.

  “What? How? Huh?” She fumbles for words.

  “How do you feel?” I ask her quietly.

  “Like I pretended that I was binge drinking last night. How did I get here?” she asks, confused. She sits up slowly, rubbing her forehead and squinting her eyes.

  “I'm not entirely sure, but I'm hoping you got a ride somehow,” I say. “Are you up for work today, or are you calling in?”

  “What time is it?” She looks at the clock. “Not that I'm trying to take advantage of our relationship or anything, but can I come in an hour or two late?”

  “Of course, party animal,” I tease her, then kiss her forehead. “I'm going to get out of here. See you at the office. Take your time.”

  “Thank you.” She smiles as she melts back into my bed. I turn and look at her before I leave. She's draped her arm over her eyes, her mouth is agape, and she's already snoring again.

  She couldn’t be more beautiful.

  I set a house system reminder to wake her up gently in an hour, and leave her a note fixed to the panel beside the elevator.

  It’s noon when Bella comes in. She looks fresh, as if she hadn’t been completely drunk last night. She comes into my office once she settles in and sits in front of my desk. I'm on the phone with Ryder, discussing schedules, so she waits quietly.