#10 Confronting the bitch

I looked at the brunette woman in front of me with wide eyes.

"I can tell that the man has no taste," I replied, trying to look calm.

"He certainly doesn't have one. Hiring you for his secretary," the woman said with an eye roll.

Well, she didn't get the memo this time. "I'm afraid some of us had to work to earn our money, and as long as I do my job right, my looks don't matter."

"You're really stupid," the woman chuckled.

"I don't see how stupid is to keep your dignity and not open your legs for any man out there…" I countered back, glaring at the bitch.

She looked at me like I had slapped her, yet it was her hand that almost made contact with my cheek. I turned around to see Nickolas holding the woman's wrist.

"How dare you," the woman whined, turning to look at Nickolas, only to gasp when she understood who he was.

"How dare you almost slap one of my employees and friends. Get the hell out of my company before I throw you out myself," Nickolas threatened her.

The woman hurried away, not daring to glance back at me.

"Are you okay?" Nickolas asked when she was out of sight.

"Yeah. Can you believe the nerve of that bitch?"

"I'm sorry, Evelyn," Nickolas muttered, rubbing my back.

"What for? You saved me once again…"

"She had no right to treat you like that. Was she the one who left with Sebastian after the Ball?"

I nodded, "Sebastian has to keep his whores at check…"

"I'll have a word with him," Nickolas muttered, walking towards his brother's office.

"No, Nick. I'd like to talk to him myself about this," I said confidently.

The man turned, giving me a surprised look. "You sure?"

"Well, the worse he can do is fire me…"

"You're lucky then because I'm looking for an assistant," Nickolas smirked at me.

"Thank you," I chuckled and strolled to my Boss' office.

I knocked on the door and waited for his permission. Sebastian was sitting on his office chair furiously typing on his computer. However, he was wearing a different suit than this morning.

"The reports you asked are ready, sir. And, you have to sign these documents, please," I said, my voice void of any emotion.

He glanced up, taking the files from my hands. "Are you ready for the next meeting?"

"Yes, sir, everything is ready."

He nodded, checking the reports I gave him. "Is there anything else, Miss Russell?"

"Actually, I'd like to ask you a favor, sir."

Sebastian raised his eyes from the papers and looked at me for once, "What's wrong, Miss Russell?"

"Is there any chance you can control your mistresses better because you don't pay me enough money to deal with their shit, too…" I said my tone ice cold, my eyes shooting daggers at him.

He looked at me for a few seconds, taken aback by my sudden outburst.

I turned around, not wanting to be in his presence for any longer, and stormed out of the office, mentally praising myself for finding the courage to confront Sebastian. He had to understand that I wasn't a doll nor a machine; I had feelings and needs. Well, and most certainly, I couldn't let anyone treat me disrespectfully, especially in my working environment.

No one mentioned that episode again. Sebastian addressed me only for matters considering work, and I did my best to complete every task he handed me. It wasn't that difficult since I had learned all the protocols and the projects the company was working on. The long meetings were still getting on my nerves, though…

Sebastian did me that favor because none of his whores bothered me again, but that doesn't mean he stopped seeing them. On the contrary, almost every day, a new woman came into his office and left about an hour later, with wrinkled clothes, messy hair, and smeared makeup. By the stupid smile on their faces, one could tell that they had been fucked…

My Boss made sure to leave an hour empty on his daily schedule, and after the first few days, I knew better than to ask or come near his office at this bloody hour. Well, yeah, it bothered me a lot. I couldn't fathom why, but every time I watched another woman exit his office, my heart tightened, and a burning sensation built up inside my chest.

On the good news, though, Sophie and Nikolas were dating, and I was so happy for them. My best friend used to come over to the company at noon, and we spent some time with Nickolas. Some other days, my Boss' little brother took us to different restaurants for lunch or dinner. We also went on short trips during weekends. I argued a lot because I felt like a third wheel, but the two of them literally dragged me with them, everywhere except their bedroom…

Thank goodness our apartment had good soundproof…

Like all the other days, my best friend and Nickolas were sitting on my office's sofa, being all lovey-dovey. On the other hand, I struggled to finish the reports Sebastian gave, so we can go for lunch.

"Seriously, Nick, don't you have an office in this company, too?" I asked, annoyed.

"No! You're capable of skipping lunch just to finish those damn things. We're leaving altogether," Sophie said, with finality in her voice.

Nickolas pouted a bit, obviously displeased by his girlfriend's stubbornness.

"Don't make me go get your brother to have you both thrown out," I scolded them, pointing a finger towards Sebastian's office.

"Oh, you wouldn't dare…" Nickolas taunted me.

"Watch me!" I sassed back and stood up, only to freeze in my place.

Sebastian walked into my office, a frown on his face.

"Brother, finally, can I please take your secretary for lunch?" Nickolas said.

"Nick, don't you have anything to do in this fucking company?" Sebastian countered back, glaring at his younger brother.

"You see, some of us actually enjoy living their lives…" Nickolas shrugged.

"You distract people from doing their jobs. A job I'm paying them doing. Anyway, Miss Russell, can I have a word with you?"

"Of course, Mr. Leclair," I replied and followed him outside.

"I didn't know you were having a gathering…" Sebastian said in a cold tone when we were alone in the corridor.

"I'm sorry, sir. They came to pick me up, but I haven't finished the work you assigned me yet. I'll ask them to leave," I explained, avoiding meeting his gaze.

"Who is she?"

"Oh, she's my best friend and flatmate, Sophie."

"Are she and my brother dating?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but I think you should ask your brother that," I replied, giving him a polite smile.

"So that's my brother's secret girlfriend," Sebastian muttered under his breath.

I pretended not to hear his comment and instead asked, "Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

"Yes, grab your things; we're going out," Sebastian said and walked back into his office without adding anything else.

Since I was left with no other choice, I went back to my office and explained to my friends what happened. I grabbed my bag and headed once again out of my office the moment Sebastian was walking by. He motioned for me to follow him. We hopped into the elevator and then inside a black SUV. The driver started driving without any other instruction.

The ride was in silence since Sebastian looked deep in his thoughts, and I tried to remember whether we had a meeting outside the company scheduled for this hour. The car stopped outside a restaurant, and Sebastian helped me out.

The manager, as soon as he spotted Sebastian, welcomed us warmly and led us to our table. I sat down a bit hesitant since the table was arranged for two. Wasn't this going to be a business meeting?

"What are we doing here, sir?" I asked unsurely.

"I figured out that I may be harsher to you than I should be. So, I thought to make it up by taking you out for lunch," Sebastian said casually.

"For lunch?"

"You seem rather skinny, Miss Russell. Is this appropriate for your health condition?"

I stared at my Boss, baffled. "Thank you for your concern, sir, but my doctor hasn't noticed anything unusual."

A waiter came, and Sebastian gave our orders, without looking at the menu or giving me the chance to choose. Although, a small smile appeared on my lips when he ordered a fresh juice for me, besides the wine. Somehow, he remembered or guessed that I can't drink alcohol…

"So, Miss Russell, did you always want to work for my company?"

"To be honest, no, sir. My dream job would be to work for a publishing house, as an editor, or even write and publish my own work at some point. But the experience I'll gain working in Leclair Corp. and especially with you, sir, is valuable."

"You've been doing well, Miss Russell. I' don't give praises easily, but you replaced Tonia in the best way possible."

"Thank you, sir," I replied, my cheeks turning bright red.

Our meal arrived, and we ate mostly in silence. Practically I ate only the vegetables of my main course and some of the salad. I tried to slice the meat and take a bite, but it was quite raw for my taste. Plus, I was only used to eating chicken.

"You don't like your lamb chops?" Sebastian asked, looking at my plate.

"Well, I prefer the meat to be cooked well, and besides, I can't eat lamb; doctor's orders…"

"Oh, you could have told me. Would you like to order something different?"

"No, sir, it's quite alright. We must leave soon, too," I muttered. My phone rang, reminding me of my medication.

"You must take your pills," Sebastian stated.

I looked at him, dumbfounded again. "I know, if you'll excuse me, then," I said in a small voice, and I stood up.

Sebastian's hand was on mine, stopping me from taking one step away from the table. "Well, I don't think there's any reason to leave just so you can take some pills."

My eyes widened, and I tilted my head to look at him. Was he okay? Did he hit his head or something?

Sebastian chuckled, seeing me perplexed. "Well, I know I've been an asshole lately, so let's just say I'm trying to make it up."

"You have to try some more," I whispered under my breath and sat back on my chair.

I quickly took my medication, not sparing him another glance. I knew his grey eyes were studying every move I made, though. His intense gaze was piercing holes into my skin. My skin was still burning from his touch.

"What would you like for dessert?" Sebastian asked then with a grin.

"Vanilla ice cream," I blurted out without thinking.

"Okay, we can arrange that," my Boss chuckled.

I was in the middle of eating my delicious ice cream, the only I got to enjoy that much. Sebastian was watching me with a small smile, sipping his cold wine. Apparently, sugar was out of his dietary habits.

"There's something else I want to talk to you about, Miss Russell," Sebastian said, his professional tone back.

"What is it, sir," I replied, putting my spoon down, my full attention on him. Well, I was almost sure he couldn't suddenly be that good and polite with me.

"I want you to come with me to Greece…"

What on earth did Sebastian have in mind this time?