Author's POV
"Arthur, listen to me."
Garry released himself from his hold.
"She needed that job, man."
"And you decided to make her a maid."
Arthur gritted.
"Then what was I supposed to make her. A drug mafia?"
Garry sighed frustrated.
"See, I know that you are mad at me but at least she will be safe here... You know how men look at women out there."
Arthur took a deep breath and calmed down. He has no idea why he got out of control. He knew that the girl was affecting him and now he got the proof too.
Garry sighed in relief when Arthur visibly calmed down.
"She asked for this job and I couldn't say no... She requested it. The woman who runs the orphanage had surgery. They need money for her treatment."
"I am still deciding if I should praise you or kill you for this... The girl means something to me, Garry. I don't know what but she is fucking doing something. She is capable of destroying all my hard work which I have done till now... I need to stay away from her."
He warned.
"I can't ask her to leave now. Bro, she was so happy when she got the job and she is honest with her work. You beat the shit out of me but don't make me do it."
Garry refused to break her heart.
"She wants money then I'll give her whatever amount she wants. She will never run short on money but she can't work here..."
Arthur stormed out of the room and started looking for Arabella.
He heard her voice from the kitchen. He was about to enter but stopped when he heard his name.
"Did the Chief scold you?"
Cami made her sit on the chair.
"Did you do something?"
Arabella shook her disappointedly.
"No, I don't know why he got angry. Is he going to fire me? I need this job."
"Ohh, honey... Don't worry, Chief is not that bad. He won't fire you for small things."
She handed her a glass of smoothie.
"Drink this. You have been working nonstop since morning. You are such a hardworking girl."
She caressed her head.
"Thank you!"
Arabella grabbed the glass.
"You make tasty food."
Cami chuckled.
"Thank you... By the way, I heard about Matilda. If you talk to the Chief then he will help you with the money for her treatment. You don't have to work at such young age."
"I know he will help. He gave me money the other day. He is a kind man, I know."
She replied and Arthur's heart again felt the emotions pouring out of his heart with her sweet words. He never felt so good after listening to his praise.
"That day I had no option that's why I asked for money but I don't feel good... I am not used to this... I feel good when I do something and then get rewarded, I feel valued... This work is familiar to me, I used to do it. Also, it helps me to escape from the hollowness of my life... That's why I asked Garry for this job. This is not just for Matilda but for me too."
"You are on the right path. Feeling valued always leads to the path of self love. Very good!"
Cami praised her.
"But you shouldn't ignore education either... It's important for your future."
"I know... Julie and I attend online classes. We have enrolled for the open school program. We study at night."
She was proud while telling that.
"That's really nice... I am sure you are going to do well in life, you are hardworking."
Cami patted her back.
Arthur sighed and turned around defeated. Garry was right, she really needs this job. He can't damage her self esteem at such young age.
"See, I told you... I am innocent."
Garry shrugged.
Arthur sighed and rubbed his face frustrated.
"What am I supposed to do now?"
"You can take it as a challenge... I mean, we are here until Oliver comes back, so till he comes back you can practice self control... You know like a tiger who watches cats around him."
He suggested with naughty grin but in reality he wants him to accept his feelings and Arabella.
Arthur shook his head at his silly suggestion but he was somewhere right, he needs to control his emotions and the girl was the hard test. He decided to take the challenge.
"Fine!..."
He looked towards the kitchen.
"Give her half salary in advance and double her pay... No, triple it."
Garry looked at him amused.
"I think we should pay her in millions."
Arthur scowled at his mocking.
"Shut up!"
Garry chuckled when he walked away.
"No matter how much you try to be tough but you are soft, Arthur. Especially for this girl."
Arabella finished her smoothie and got up.
"I'll do the dishes and go back."
Cami nodded.
"It's dark out. How are you going to go by yourself?"
"Julie will come halfway for me... I'll manage."
She got back to work.
"Alright!"
Cami was also captivated by her honest and hardworking nature.
Arabella finished her work and got ready to leave. Garry stopped her and gave her the money.
"Your half salary as advance, you might need this for the treatment."
Arabella looked at the money and frowned.
"I think you mistakenly gave me extra money. This is more than my monthly salary."
Garry chuckled at her cute question.
"Arthur asked me to increase your salary."
She looked at him with wide and shocked eyes.
"Why?"
He shrugged.
"I don't know... Why don't you ask him?"
She was confused.
"I'll ask him tomorrow..."
He laughed at her reply. He has never seen someone so confused yet cute till now.
"Okay. Keep that safe..."
She smiled.
"Thank you!"
She kept the money safely in her pocket and got on her way.
Garry saw how her delicate feet were showing excitement while going back.
"It's so rare to see this much innocence in one place in my dark world. I hope Arthur realises that he needs to take you under his protection..."
Arthur was in the living room when Garry went inside.
"Did she leave?"
"Yep!"
He nodded.
"Did you do as I asked you to do?"
He questioned.
"Yes! But she is going to ask you why you increased her salary."
He smirked.
"All the best with that."
Arabella was going back when she saw the familiar man and her eyes widened.
"Oh my god! What is he doing here?"
She panicked.