Emberly's POV:
Sunlight hit my eyes and I tried to block it my covering my face. I felt warm, too warm. Groaning, I tried to get up but an arm was thrown over my waist, holding me firmly. It took me few seconds to remember where I was and how I got there. My eyes snapped open and all the drowsiness disappeared instantly.
I was aware of how my whole body was literally all up on Arran. My cheeks were pressed on his chest and with every breath he took I could hear the slow thudding of his heart and my hand was on the hardness of his abs. Our legs were curled together, his thrust between mine and there was not even a centimetre of space left between us.
His hand was underneath my (his) T-shirt as I felt him circling the skin of my lower back. I bit my lips as I felt my stomach tightening. I shut my eyes, steading my breathing so that I wouldn't wake him up. His breathing remained the same but his hand on my back started to slide down to my butt that was only covered in thin lace material i.e. my panties. A wave of shiver shimmied up my spine. Maybe, I should get up but before I could, his hand cupped my butt cheek giving a firm squeeze.
Holy shit.
I squealed and tried to get off him but his arm tightened on my waist. I was pretty sure my face was red because I felt every cell in body burning. Arran's hand flattened around my ribcage, stroking lightly. I was surprised my breaths were not coming as pants.
"What's wrong?" His voice was deep and raspy but I could hear a tease in his tone.
What's wrong? I don't know... oh how about your hand is causing me to turn into molten lava. Play it cool, Emberly.
I craned my neck and peeked through my eyelashes since he was still refusing to let go off me. His eyes were hooded and his lips.... his lips that looked so irresistible were slightly parted.
The clever person I was, undoubtedly, said the first thing that popped in my head. "Scar."
Not a Disney reference! Trust me.
"What...?" He searched my face in confusion.
"You have a scar... here." I skimmed my fingers, tapping his ribcage when I found the faded scar. His eyes crinkled and his lips lifted in a small smile. God, this man was ridiculously sexy and it wasn't fair. I'm pretty sure I was looking like a living version of Annabelle. I cringed and tried to sit up and he allowed me. I sat, trying not to miss his touch that much. Who was I kidding; I wanted to wrap myself around him.
"As much as I would like to stay here all day, we need to get up, Emberly. I have a meeting with Mr Hunt and his associates. Can you print out the files I've emailed you last week?" He sat up too, rubbing his eyes and fired away. He turned his head to side to pick up his iPhone.
I tried to keep my face passive and mentally noted down the checklist for today. I bit my lip nervously. Do I bring up last night or not? It's okay... remember baby steps. Just because you know about your feelings doesn't mean he knows about it too. You need to give him time to move on from Sophia.
Before I could say or do something, I was flat on my back and he was hovering above me. Jesus! He needs to stop doing this! There goes my steady breathing. One hand was resting on the side and another one was stroking my waist softly. I felt his hardness on my stomach and I gasped softly.
"Oh and morning." His lips met my neck and tingles shot down my spine as I felt my eyes closing. He placed another soft kiss on my jaw.
"Now get out." He mouth quirked in a smile and I mocked glared at him.
"Dress formal. Meet me at lobby in half an hour." He stretched his arms, his muscle tightening and I found myself distracted once again.
Wait, what? There's no way I could get ready that quick. Not when I had to have shower, get dressed and prepare for this meeting.
"One hour." I said hastily, getting up from the bed.
"Thirty five minutes." I could feel his eyes devouring me.
"Forty five." I crossed my arms around me nervously.
"Done."
After thirty-five minutes, I met him at the lobby. He was dressed in a Tom Ford's grey suit with a white shirt and a matching grey tie. How do I know this? I packed for him! His hairs that were a sexy mess this morning were neatly done. He was on the phone, his fingers busy tapping the screen. Feeling my eyes on him, he looked up. Butterflies erupted in my stomach and I found myself smiling like an idiot. His eyes roamed over my body from top of my head and down to my high heels.
Arran took the keys from the valet and stopped in front of a sleek black Bentley Continental. I whistled lowly as I observed the car. This car was a beast on wheels. Arran chuckled, probably used to my unhealthy obsession with cars. The interior of the car was equally impressive. I snapped out of my fantasy and crosschecked the documents.
"Why are we going so early anyway? I thought the meeting was at 12?" I questioned him, checking the document once again. I glanced at the time and it was only 9:30. I could do coffee with donuts or chocolate croissants or both.
"It is." He replied, not taking his eyes off the road.
"Are we stopping somewhere for breakfast?" I closed the file and turned slightly to face him. One hand on steering wheel he seemed lost in his thoughts.
"No, I already had breakfast. It's a long drive, that's why. Besides, we might be late." He replied, frowning slightly.
I was just speechless.
"What?" He questioned.
He was everything my ideal guy isn't supposed to. He doesn't even have a single romantic bone inside him. Yes that's right... I a sucker for sickly sweet guys and Arran was complete opposite.
"Oh Arran." I sighed and rubbed my eyes. He glanced my direction, appearing confused.
"What?" He asked again.
"Nothing."
"Whatever. I grabbed something for you. Its on the back seat." He motioned to the bag and I grabbed it excitedly. I opened the brown bag and found glazed doughnuts and croissants. My heart swelled and I smiled wholeheartedly when I noticed what he had done.
"Don't even." He warned me.
"This is so sweet, thank you Arran." I bit my lip, stopping myself from laughing. "It was really kind for you to think about me." I teased him and he groaned. Moments like this always made me feel strange like how my heartbeat accelerated and my stomach turned into knots.
"Do I need to do something there? Do I have to join the meeting too or record meeting minutes?" I asked him, looking at him in awe when I ate the glazed doughnut.
"Yes. First of all, stop with that look. It's creeping me out" He smirked.
I rolled my eyes. Usually, whenever we attend meeting, I am specifically told what to do. Whether its just standing behind or to appear friendly with the other party.
"Mr Hunt has a 12 years old daughter. Keep her happy." He informed me.
"Noted. How am I going to do that?" I took a sip of coffee and scrunched my nose at the taste. All black, no sugar... go figures.
"You're good with kids, figure it out." He shrugged his shoulder and smiled at me softly.
The journey was indeed long but the traffic was light and the weather was even better. When we arrived, we were lead to a conference room. Arran greeted them. Compared to him, most of the men were in their late fifties but like him were in expensive designer suit.
They soon began the meeting, discussing numbers, data and analysing reports. These men were experienced and their smiles spoke volumes about their confidence yet I didn't miss the look of respect in their eyes when Arran spoke. The way they listened to every word he spoke with such concentration and the way they nodded their heads when Arran spoke, you could tell Arran worked extremely hard to earn his position.
I founded Mr Hunt's daughter roaming outside the conference room. Violet was on her iPhone typing something furiously and kept groaning after every five seconds. At first she ignored me but when I brought up a common topic, she kept going on and on about it.
"I usually hate my father's acquaintances but I like you Emberly. I will let my father know about our pleasant time." Shoulders squared, chin up, she was adorable.
"Thanks...?" It came out as a question.
"Can you tell Arran, I said hi and I've read like every single interview of his... no don't tell him that. He will think I'm batshit crazy. Oh well, who cares! Gosh, he is amazing. I mean he must be... I mean I mentally do a twirl when he is around. Last time he came he gave me a Hermes handbag and I still carry it everywhere. All my friends are totally jealous of me. It was limited edition and he gave it to me! I think we have something going on. It's magical. Only if he was younger or I was older!" She giggled loudly. I tried to keep up with her. I smiled softly at her.
When the meeting was about to end, I joined them again. They mutually agreed on the investment cost.
"So how about you quit working for this guy and work for me?" Frank Hunt asked me at the end. His smile was sincere and he had a jovial persona.
"I would love to but I can't." I smiled and answered him politely.
"Can't or won't? Hey Arran, you mind if I keep her?" He waved his hand in front of Arran's face. Arran's eyebrows pinched together and he glared at Frank. I knew he was saying this to get on his nerves.
"I do actually. You can't have her Frank. Not now or in future." He said firmly as his eyes lingered on my body. I was sure I was blushing because tips of my ears felt hot. Frank laughed.
"Good decision. Tell you what here's my number. Give me a call when you need a job or when you're tired of this old soul over here. I could always use an extra hand. My assistant doesn't even know how to fax. They always have the same excuse saying 'who uses fax machines these days'." He passed his business card and my eyes widened. I looked at Arran who was trying to not laugh.
"You'll be surprised, Frank. She's amazing at faxing." His eyes shone mischievously.
"It was nice seeing you, son. Tell your old man to come down and meet me once in a while." He patted Arran's back.
"Will do. Take care."
"So where are we off to now?" I questioned him once we were in the car. I dropped the file at the back seat with a loud thud. He glared at me and I smiled innocently.
"Shopping." He replied and manoeuvring the car swiftly.
"Yay!" I muttered sarcastically.
There is no way I could spend money after my last shopping spree but he could! I remember checking his bank statements once and I was surprised with the ridiculous amount of money he spent on shirts only.
"Did you have fun with Violet?" He asked me.
"I did! She is adorable. Once we found a topic in common we hit off pretty well."
"What could you possibly have in common with a 12 years old?"
"Hey! Girls always have something or someone to talk about. We bonded over talking about boys."
"Anyone in particular?" His tone was light. "I'd hate to choose between you two so please tell me you weren't fighting over me."
"Ha-Ha." I laughed sarcastically. "There are bigger issue going on Arran."
"Like what?" He frowned slightly.
"Like how Fifth Harmony threw Camilla off the stage during their performance at VMAs. They were best friends!" I exclaimed incredulously.
"Oh how Jesus fucking wept." He shook his head in disbelief.
Our conversation was forth and back from there, with me telling me how many groups has broken up and the impact it had on the fans and him failing to understand why this is relevant.
He parked his car led me to a jewellery store. Tiffany and Co had nothing on this shop. The shop itself was executive. He greeted the old man behind the till and he started opening cases after cases of diamond earrings. He picked one with blue diamond which I learnt was only $3.9 million per carat.
No big deal!
"These are gorgeous." I said, looking at the beautiful work.
"It's for Belle's birthday." He explained as he told the guy to pack the earrings. He went on and selected a gift for Victoria for her wedding that was next month, a necklace for him mother, a watch for Luke and a crown charm for Belle. He handed his black card. I wanted to say something but I stopped. He paused, watching my face.
"What?" He raised his eyebrows.
"It's nothing." I looked away.
"Emberly." He warned me.
"I mean these are great but shouldn't you get her something different, something more suitable for her age?" I shrugged my shoulders, hoping not to offend him.
"But she has everything." He blew out an irate sigh.
True. I remembered the time when I was assigned to get her a present after my little mistake. Okay, I messed up that big time with it wasn't my fault. I really thought he was getting engaged!
"She's into painting these days and I saw an art and craft shop when we entered. It looked amazing. She told me about this pain colours and I think it comes in a gift set. It has everything she loves. They might have it..." I explained to him animatedly and stopped when I realised he was staring at me with a slight shock.
"Why didn't you buy it for her?" He questioned me bewilderedly.
"Good question... but where's the excitement in that? I was planning to buy for her birthday but you can gift her. I'll think of something better."
"You're really after my place aren't you?" His tone was light. I grinned.
"Pfft, as if she would replace you. She loves you more regardless of what anyone will ever get her." I mocked a hurt look. His eyes shone in delight.
"I think we can get it from there." I pointed at toy store. After searching for half an hour we managed to find one along with some toys that I'm pretty sure we picked it up because we thought it was cute.
"New parents?" The girl behind the tills asked us with a cheery smile as she scanned the items. My eyes widened in shock but none of us corrected her. Me as a parent...? Pfttt! Just imagining made me feel weird.
Dear God!
You need to do certain things in order for that to happen and last time I remembered I couldn't even touch him without my hands shaking. I was utterly embarrassed at my own thoughts.
A man in black suit approached Arran and took the shopping bags and the car key from him. I arched my eyebrow in surprise. I don't remember him calling anyone but then again it's Arran we're talking about. He is always ten steps ahead.
We were walking when Arran suddenly stopped in front of a window display. His gaze was fixed on an old camera. My eyebrow arched at the price tag.
"Its nice."
"It's vintage, SLR, 6Ã7 MLU." He spoke softly. He lips quirked up and his eyes were practically glinting in excitement.
"Shall we go inside and check? I asked him.
"No." His said firmly, his eyes hardening. I tilted my head in surprised. He said nothing as he led me to another store.
I now realised why Arran have a love-hate relationship with photography. He loved photography but after Sophia he grew to hate it but a small part of him still wants him to carry on with his passion.
The next store was filled with luxurious dresses and suits. The decor of the store was stunning. From the white shiny marble floor to the huge sparkling chandelier, it was spotless and classy. Three ladies dressed in red rushed towards Arran, greeting him. They took him to a private area and started showing him the latest stock. Their grins were so wide that I was surprised their faces didn't crack.
Okay, that's a horrible thought.
Whilst the sales assistants were busy flaunting their personal assets to him, I made myself appear busy by checking few dresses. The fabric was extremely soft yet costs more than my monthly bill. One assistant kept a hawk eye on my every movement. I stopped touching the dress and took a step back awkwardly.
From corner of my eyes, I saw one pretty redhead walked towards the giggling assistants who had literally wrapped their selves against Arran and placed a hand on his chest. They all gaped at her greeted her. She must be a customer here too.
"Hello, agapi mou" she spoke in a deep, throaty voice. I rolled my eyes. Here we go again.
Arran stared at her for second as if he couldn't remember her and then he gave her a lopsided grin. It twisted my inside and took a hell lot of power to not march up to them and force a space between them two. She told the assistants to give them 'privacy'.
Suddenly, the men shirts were a lot interesting than before. I walked towards them quietly, pretending to check the shirts.
She said something in his ear and he tossed his head back slightly and laughed. She laughed huskily too.
He laughed!
She laughed!
They laughed!
What so funny? I want to laugh too.
The assistant had a sour look on their face, probably matching mine and they stepped aside giving them a space.
Arran replied to her back with a smirk. I tilt my head, pretending to think whilst trying my best to pry on their conversation. They both laughed simultaneously. What's so funny?
"Do you need help?" One of the assistant asked me and I nearly stumbled.
"No thank you. I'm just checking some.... male underwear's" I cringed.
What was I suppose to say? I was eavesdropping? However, she threw her head back and laughed.
"Are you with Mr Raymond?" She asked excitedly. I saw the other assistants waiting for my answers.
"As if." One of the muttered and my breath hitched. It shouldn't sting but it did.
"Don't mind her, darling, bitchiness is another trait of hers. You're different than his previous assistant." Stella (per her nametag) said in an overly cheerily tone. The other assistant, Paige nodded in agreement. Kelly rolled her eyes.
"Yeah... they are usually blonde and they have huge... you know." Paige, who had a throaty voice motioned towards her chest and then tapped her bum.
"And you are average in a good way. No offence." She said.
Talk about knocking a person's self confidence out.
"He usually goes for that Barbie-look-a-like!" Kelly said with a hint of jealousy in her tone.
"You know Sophia?" I questioned them. Their eyes widened.
"You know her too? I am surprised. None of his previous assistants did. She came here all the time. God knows why. Its Arran's favourite shop and she knows it too well. Always asking us questions about him. As if we will tell her anything to that stuck up snob. Kelly over here exaggerates stuff just to make her jealous. So how is he in bed? Did he rock your world too? Then again you don't look that type No offence again." She took a breath and her speed talking gave me a mini headache.
"That doesn't mean she has not fucked him yet. All of his assistant have and she must have to. Lucky bitch." Kelly said bitterly.
I kept my face passive. Give them a reaction and they'll jump on me like hyenas.
"Its only a matter of time before you will be one of them. You are no different than other." Kelly smirked. That irritated me. They knew nothing about us!
"I..." I opened my mouth.
"Go on, tell me you are different, how you will change him or how he will change for someone like you." Kelly sneered at me. "Tell me something I haven't heard before. The previous assistant she was stupid too. I still remember how she would rub on our faces saying how amazing this trip has been for her and how Arran opened up to her. How she was sure he would change and stick to her only. What she didn't realise was that she was dreaming about someone who she will never have. She was stupid and I can see you following the same path. So go on, tell me how you are different than the girl over there." Her voice was dripping in venom and each and every word was hitting me hard.
I looked back at the woman who was with Arran. She had her hand on his arm and they both seemed... really friendly. We both knew we were walking on a thin line. Anyone could get hurt but screw these bitches. How dare they to think they have me figured... us figured. That moment I saw red. I clenched my fist tightly.
"You need a better hobby than obsessing over him. It is pathetic you know. Why do you care so much? He won't even remember your face by next hour so you should be the last person to tell me anything. What I do or what we do is none of your god damn business. I would appreciate if you can carry on with your work." She visibly blanched at my words but I wasn't done. "You don't want Arran complaining to your manager about the type of words you used for him or his assistant, do you?" She looked at me unsurely. I let out an angry laugh. "Oh trust me, you do not want to test me on this." I gritted, trying to keep my anger and tone under control.
I noticed Arran looking at us with his brows pinched together. They saw it too. He was no longer paying attention to the woman next to him. They shuffled quickly and started packing the shirts he picked. I needed to cool down. I was about to tell him that I would wait outside when I heard Sophia's name from the girl's mouth.
Oh now I can hear!
"You know when you go back... she will be there... Sophia. She is interesting isn't she? After all these years, she still calls me and asks about you." She smiled sadly. Arran stiffened instantly.
Oh boy! Not her too.
"I've tried everything Arran... to make you love me... but I couldn't. I can now understand why. It's what love makes you do. I don't blame you. I said yes to Carlos... he is a really nice guy but he is not you but I am not stupid to believe you will stop loving her for someone like me or anyone."
"Viv..." His eyes briefly met mine. He was as startled as I was.
"Tell me I am wrong and I wont say a word."
Tell her Arran. Tell her she is wrong.... that you are ready to move on. That someone like me can make you forget about her. That it still hurts but you can look beyond your pain.
I hated the fact I know he is in love with someone and yet I still wanted him. What if he would never change? Yes, he might have let his walls down but still I'm just Emberly, just his personal assistant who was asked to look after him. I was not supposed to fall for him.
Then why do I want to be with him? I know how he is, he might change or he might not. It's a big risk I'm taking. Every sign was telling me that I will end up hurting myself badly but why can't I take all these warnings seriously?
But that moment he did something that cleared some of my doubts. He irately removed her hand from his chest and stepped back creating a much-needed space. I saw the assistants gawking at them. He whispered something to her and her eyes widened. She swiftly turned around and looked at me. She assessed me and I looked at Arran awkwardly. He shook his head, his jaw clenched and his perfectly sculptured lips in a straight line. I saw colour changing on her face and I could feel her rage from where I was standing. She opened her mouth to say something to me but Arran cut her off.
"Emberly, can you please wait outside for me, while I deal with this nuisance?" He said coldly.
I tried not to smile, I really did but I couldn't help but smirk at her and the assistants. I nodded and walked outside.
"Seriously Arran, her? Who is she?" I heard her yelling at him.
Once I reached outside, I took a deep breath. From outside I saw them in a heated conversation.
"Ber-Ber?" I heard a familiar voice from a distance.
No-Freaking-Way!
"Mason?" I turned around, in shock and met his blue startling eyes.
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For some reasons, I am so excited posting this chapter. Initially, I was planning to post around second week of March but like I said I was too excited.
Another long chapter (14 pages on words!) so I hope you have fun reading this.
I need your honest opinion on the following:
a) What do you think of the pace of this story?
b) Would you like me to improve the pace?
c) Do you think it's slow?
d) What do you think of Arran and Emberly's relationship? Do you think it has made progress?
I keep getting questions like how many chapters is this book going to be and honestly speaking, I have so many ideas that I don't know myself. Would you like me to finish this story ASAP?
Once again, thank you so much for the comments and votes on previous chapter. Wished Wattpad had a like button so I could like all your comments.
Please ignore spelling/grammar mistakes.
Enjoy reading, leave a vote and comment.
Love,
Ameerah x
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