I have a feeling something very bad happened but unless she opens up to me, I will never know. I have to show her and prove to her that she can trust me and that I’ll always protect her and make sure she’s safe and has everything she needs.
Chapter 6
Ayden
I’m still very shaken by my encounter with Ant last night for a number of reasons. One, I wasn’t prepared to see him, much less have him go all alpha on me with his speech. Two, he was on his own which was nerve wracking in itself. When he is with a skank I at least have an excuse to take off. Three, he is hotter than ever which is highly disturbing. The effect he has on me is messing with my head.
On one hand, I want nothing more than to be able to be with him and on the other hand, I just want to take off running because I’m not sure I could handle what could happen. For all I know, my captor could still be watching me. What happened six years ago really messed with my head. I’m always scared someone is watching me, often getting that feeling, but never noticing anything suspicious. All of that is beside the point—Ant seems to only want to fuck skanks, so I really don’t see how this could work. It’s hard to come to the conclusion that your one true love might end up being not much more than just some amazing memories.
A very small part of me wants to let go of the feelings I have for him, the other part just wants to hold onto the tiny bit of hope there is that he could forgive me and give us another chance. Which one to follow?
I wish I could just move on and let go of the past and live my life. I will get there someday… Hopefully.
All I know is that if I don’t move my ass now, I’ll be late for work and that wouldn’t be a good thing. It’s not like I’m always late, but it might have happened once or twice… ok a few times, but I’m trying my best. Life is just too crazy at the moment—things are constantly distracting me from keeping my eye on the clock. I’m so glad I don’t have huge responsibilities at work or I’d be screwed.
I go to the bathroom, do my business and turn on the shower before taking off my shorts and shirt, stepping in when the temperature is just right. I only take a quick shower to try to rid myself of sleep. I shave my legs quickly, maybe too quickly, feeling a sharp pain in my calf. “Motherfucker!” I yell as I cut my leg. That will teach me to try and shave at lightning speed. I finish shaving, rinse quickly and step out of the shower, then dry myself and take care of the cut. I didn’t have the time to wash my hair so dry shampoo will have to do. I spray some on my head and look like a crazed woman. Really, it’s hilarious, remember the Cat Lady in The Simpsons with the explosion of hair? Well that’s what I look like right at this moment.
I look through my closet to find something appropriate for work. It takes me a few minutes to settle on a pantsuit and a pair of high-heeled ankle boots. I wish I could just wear jeans and a t-shirt to work, but it would be frowned upon and I would probably end up getting fired. I go back to the bathroom, brush my hair to get rid of the dry shampoo and do my make-up quickly trying to look semi presentable. Let’s face it I do need the make-up, I look like death! I’m a redhead with big green eyes, way too pale skin and pouty lips. I’m also on the shorter side, reaching only five-feet-four-inches. I have curves, I don’t mind them, but I wouldn’t be mad if they would go away on their own, without me having to give up the food that I love.
I try to enhance my eyes by doing a light smokey eye and a cat eye with eyeliner, then soft peachy lips and I finally finish with my eyebrows. A huge thank you to the genius that invented eyebrow pencil for redheads, you sir or madam, are a lifesaver!
I spray some perfume and put on my suit then I rush to the kitchen, grab a travel mug for my much-needed coffee, a protein bar and head out of the door, nearly forgetting my handbag and my keys. It’s going to be a long day!
I start my purple Chevrolet Camaro SS 1967 and speed to work, nearly spilling my coffee all over the dashboard. It’s still really weird to work in the company my dad used to work for before he got arrested. I still don't believe he did it. Someone framed him—my father is smart, if he were to do it why would he do it from his own account? That makes no sense!
My family isn't perfect by any means and we've been through our fair share of drama, but this, this is a new low. I've been trying to find clues that he didn't do it and was framed, but it's quite hard to find out those kinds of things on your own, especially when you work for said company, without arousing suspicions from coworkers. I mean, I can't possibly barge into the finance department and just look through their archives to try to find out what my dad could have done, well more like who used my dad’s login information to steal the money. I’m not sure it would go down very well. I could have asked Michael, I thought about it, but I don't know if I can trust him.
Besides, I don’t want to feel like I owe him. He would use it as an excuse to get me to go out with him because he did me a favor. I’d absolutely hate the thought. I’ll have to find another way to find out the truth.
Surely the IT department should have been able to pull up the video of the person using my father’s computer to frame him. I just don’t know anymore. All this overthinking is driving me crazy.
I sigh getting into the elevator and go up to the twenty-fifth floor. I wish I could get the position I want. I’ve been here six months and there are no signs of a promotion in the immediate future. I’m grateful I have a job, but doing administrative work isn’t what I signed up for in the beginning, but as boring as it is, it’s safe. I know the place and I know my coworkers—it would be hard for me to start over somewhere else. I suck when there’s change. I panic and make a fool out of myself. At least here they are used to me being socially awkward. I’ll just have to be a bit more patient and see how things go.
I step out of the elevator just as my boss was about to get in. Oh shit, this could be interesting...
“Miss Monroe, late again I see?” He looks me in the eyes, looking very serious until one corner of his mouth lifts up in half a smile, like it’s amusing to him to see me freaking out over being busted for being late.
“I... uh... I’m sorry sir, it won’t happen again. I... uh... was stuck in traffic?” I end my sentence like I’m asking him if I was stuck in traffic. I sigh and look down.
“Look at me Miss Monroe,” he says in a commanding yet soft voice. I look up, quite nervous and scared of what’s going to happen. I hope he’s not going to fire me on the spot. That would suck and be highly embarrassing as there are a couple of my coworkers walking around. “We both know you weren’t stuck in traffic.” I nod shyly. “Make sure it doesn’t happen again, alright? Just a warning this time.” He smiles and I nod, still unable to say anything. We both keep staring at each other. “Back to work Miss Monroe.” He full on smirks and I rush to my desk, thanking whoever is watching over me that I didn’t lose my shit in front of him, it was embarrassing enough already.
Just before I’m able to sit down he calls for me again. “I’ll see you in my office at ten.” He smirks and gets in the elevator. Great, now I’m really in trouble. I sigh to myself and sit down, fire up my computer and check the messages I have on my desk as well as the list of things I have to do today.
I get into my work email account and reply to a couple of emails and delete the spam messages. My phone chirps, giving me a much-needed distraction. I’m a nervous mess with my upcoming meeting with Mr. Copeland. I see I have two texts and one is from Ant. I can’t help but read it.
Ant: Morning Sweet Cheeks, hope you had a good night. ;-)
I really didn’t need a reminder of the hot dream I had of him last night. Seriously, he’s going to try to torture me every way possible—in person, on the phone, even in my dreams! The universe is clearly against me. I squeeze my thighs, squirming in my seat thinking about last night’s dream.
I sigh and check Marnie’s message.
Marnie: Hottie McBoss wanting to see you huh? Should be interesting I want all of the details!
Me: Oh shut up Mar! I’m
probably going to get fired for being late for the fifth time this month!
Marnie: No way, he has the hot’s for you. Everybody can see it but you woman!
Me: Oh stop it!
I flip her off from across the hall and can’t help but laugh softly, making her laugh. I’m so grateful to have her here. We get along really well and she often offers distraction when I’m bored out of my mind.
I finish replying to my work related emails and get ready to head up to Mr. Copeland’s office. I’m really nervous. Not only am I scared I might lose my job but being alone with him in his office isn’t the most reassuring thing to me.
I know it’s stupid to think the worse will happen. It’s just my boss wanting to talk to me about work—nothing else. But my mind always goes back to that week I spent in hell when I have to be alone with a man.
I wave at Marnie and she waves back making a kissy face as I get into the elevator. I roll my eyes and flip her off once again shaking my head. I ride the elevator to Mr. Copeland’s office and walk to his secretary desk.
“Hi, Mr. Copeland asked me to meet him at ten. So, uh, here I am.” I smile nervously, making a total ass of myself.
“Miss Monroe?” I nod. “You can go in, he’s expecting you.” She smiles dreamily. Looks like someone has it bad for her boss. I don’t blame her, he’s quite good looking.
I take a deep breath, knock on the door and look inside. He is on the phone and motions for me to sit in one of the leather chair in front of his desk while he finishes his phone call. It’s weird to be in his office while he’s doing business on the phone. I’d rather wait outside but it’s not like I can back out of the office, I’m already halfway to his desk. I take a couple of slow steady breath making my way to the chair and sit down in one, nervously waiting for him to finish.
“Sorry about that.” He says giving me an apologetic smile.
“It’s not a problem at all Mr. Copeland.” I try to stop wringing my hands in my lap. It’s a nervous habit I developed after it happened. “I’m sorry I was late again, I promise it won’t happen again. I’ve just been under a lot of stress lately and uh yeah, I’m rambling. Sorry, sir.” I look down feeling stupid.
“Miss Monroe, it’s okay. Calm down.” He chuckles and stands up. He comes over and leans on his desk, standing in front of me, making me look up to see him. “Do you like working for my company?”
“I… Yes I do, sir,” I say nervously.
“Good. I was recently made aware that you didn’t study to be a secretary or assistant, but to work in the marketing and advertising field. Am I right?”
“Yes.” I look at him confused. I’m still not sure where this is going.
“Did you work on this?” He hands me a folder and I instantly recognize it. It’s the ad I’ve worked on, on my own just missing doing that kind of work. I don’t know how he could possibly have it though.
“I… uh yes I did. Where did you get it?” I nibble my lip nervously.
“Don’t be nervous Ayden, you’re not in trouble.” He smiles and I sigh in relief.
“Thank God!” I say a bit too loudly causing him to chuckle. “How did you get it though?”
“Mr. Sullivan gave it to me a couple of days ago. He said you’d been working on it for a couple of weeks and that it looked good. He knew you wouldn’t share your work so he took it upon himself to share it with me.” He doesn’t seem too happy that Michael would do such a thing. So I’m not the only one thinking he’s a total weirdo? That’s reassuring.
“Oh… I, uh, well, I know it’s not what I’m paid to do for your company, but the account spoke to me and when I saw the email about it I printed a copy for me and did my own version of the ad. Just to keep my marketing skills sharp. I love working on ads and I didn’t want to get out of practice. And I’m rambling again,” I mutter the last bit.
“It’s not a problem, at all. I actually really like the entire campaign you did for it. I took it upon myself to share it with the client and he loved it.”
“You what?” I nearly scream. I’m pretty sure I look like I’ve seen a ghost.
“Don’t be so surprised, your work is amazing and speaks for itself. You worked for one of the top companies in New York. I don’t know why HR didn’t hire you to be part of our marketing and advertisement department in the first place.” I’m speechless. “This is all last minute but you’ll be working on this campaign. The client will be in on Friday to discuss the budget and the technical aspect of the ad with you and have your full vision on it.” He’s grinning at me and I’m still not sure I completely understand all of this.
“You mean I’m working for the M&A department now?” I gulp.
“Yes,” he chuckles, “you’ll fit right in with them don’t worry. They’re already aware they have a new coworker. You’ll also have your own office.” He reaches for a big manila envelope and hands it to me. “Your new contract, take your time to read through it and sign it. You can drop it off with the HR department after you’ve signed it.”
“W-wow, thank you so much. I really don’t know what to say.” I look between him and the envelope still dumbfounded. Had I known all it took to get promoted would be a mock campaign; I would have given them one way sooner and not waited six months!
“You don’t have to say anything, it’s a pleasure really to be able to give you the position you were applying for in the first place.” He smiles, extending his hand. I place my hand in his and he shakes it, holding it for a moment longer than appropriate. He seems to let it go reluctantly and moves back behind his desk. “You can start this afternoon in your new office.”
“Thank you again.” I beam, I’m a nervous mess and I’m shitting my pants but I’m proud of myself at the same time.
“You’re more than welcome Miss Monroe.” He smirks at me.
I hastily make my way out of his office, too nervous and excited to stay in here any longer.
On the way back to my desk, I can’t help feeling happy that I got the position I wanted, but also slightly worried. Working in the M&A department means working closely with Michael. He’s the one who approves the budget for each campaign. That’s going to be interesting. I was trying to stay away from him as much as possible, but it’s going to be impossible now. Hopefully he won’t be asking me out more than before. I know he’s the one who shared my file, which I’m not sure how I feel about. I don’t really like knowing he went through the papers I have on my desk to get it. Even if it was a sweet gesture and got me a promotion. He’s probably going to feel like it’s because of him that I got promoted. I sigh to myself, now I feel like I owe him, and it’s not a great feeling. Just what I wanted to avoid.
I walk past Marnie and give her two thumbs up and walk to my desk. She grins at me and types fast on her cellphone. I feel mine vibrate in my pocket. I take it out and read her text.
Marnie: Details woman!!
Me: Calm your tits! I got a promotion! I’ll be working for the M&A department now!
Marnie: Woo-hoo! Congrats babe! Going to suck not having you across the hall from me now but so happy and proud of you! Celebratory lunch today?
Me: Shush! You’re going to make me cry. You know it!
I put my phone on the side and finish replying to the couple of emails I received while I was away and get on with the couple of tasks I had for the morning. I try to finish everything before lunchtime. When I’m done I realize I’m slightly late for our girl’s lunch and hurry to the restaurant.
It’s Monday and like every Monday I go to lunch with Marnie, Charline and Martha at the sushi place down the street. We meet there and as usual, I’m the last one.
“Sorry ladies.” I smile shyly. “I had to finish some work stuff before this afternoon,” I say as I sit down.
“Don’t worry about it Ayd, we figured you would be late. Marnie told us you were still working on a couple of things before starting in your new department. A celebratory drink is in order.” Charline winks at me smiling to reassur
e me.
“Now don’t try to get me drunk before I start my new job.” I giggle softly and raise my glass joining my friends.
“To Ayden, may this promotion bring you a lot of clients, loads of money, and happiness, and also get closer to Michael.” Martha cheers, waggling her eyebrows. I cheer with her but cringe inside. I’m so not ready to get into a relationship again.
“Ah yeah, maybe not the last part.” I take a sip.
“Oh come on why not?” Marnie says from across the table.
“Well I’m just not ready and not into him. He’s good looking, but not my type.” I shrug, trying to play it cool, hoping they will drop the subject, but knowing them, it’s not going to happen.
“How can he not be your type? He’s tall, beyond hot, smart, makes good money, good home, good car, and from what I’ve heard he’s packing well if you know what I mean.” Marnie laughs. “He’s the total package!” I don’t even know what to reply to her, I’m grateful when Charline comes to my rescue, well for a second.
“Ayd, I’ve known you for what almost nine years? And you’ve only dated Anthony for a couple of months and then went off to college. You need to put yourself out there and date. You’re twenty-four, live a little. From what these two madwomen told me, Michael is more than easy on the eyes.” She giggles, but scowls me a bit.
“I’m just not ready. What can I say? I can’t force it. I just don’t feel it with Michael.” I take another sip of my wine, nearly finishing my glass. At this rate, I’ll be drunk before the end of lunch.
“Michael is a total sweetheart and has had the hot’s for you since you started to work with us. At least give him a chance. You’ve been rejecting him for six months now. It’s just dinner; you should go on a date with him. If it doesn’t work out then you’ll know he’s not for you, but at least you’ll have tried. If it does work, I want your first born to be named Marnie, boy or girl I don’t care.” Marnie grins proudly and we all laugh.
Saving Ayden Page 5