Edmund
I came back with the coffee in my hand, the lid already loose because I had been gripping the cup too hard.
I didn't know where they usually got their coffee from so I spent so much time looking around and walking around the building, looking like a confused intern who didn't have enough balls to ask the people in the building where the coffee machine was.
It took almost thirty minutes before I was able to find it. If I didn't see a worker leaving from the left corner with a coffee cup, I would have kept walking around until I forced myself to ask for help.
It was after I got the coffee that I realized there were coffee machines all over the place. I could have sworn that they weren't there a moment ago.
In my own company, I never had to ask anyone about where things were. Matter of fact, I had people who did the running around for me. Despite being hardworking, I was raised to have pride. And to make things worse, my looks also didn't do much to help my situation.
I was fine as hell and everyone knew it, everyone except one blonde haired fellow sitting in his stupid chair, waiting for a hot cake like me to bring him his stupid coffee.
A part of me knew that if I was going to survive under Asher, I might have to let my pride go but how could I do that when the asshole himself was an annoying fraud.
I used to have good comebacks, sharp defenses and in most cases, I was outrightly rude or pompous, I didn't see any reason to bless my opponent with a reply. But since I came face to face with that son-of-a-bitch, my replies have been so shallow and so not like me.
If only he knew, if only he knew my reputation, he wouldn't be messing with me like he's doing now.
I tried to calm myself down. Holding the coffee, it took almost everything in me not to poison it or maybe, spit in it just a little. That would teach him.
But I didn't, not because I was afraid he'd see through my intentions from all the goddamn cameras in this stupid building, I only held back because I wasn't a bad person. Yeah right. We both know it's because of the former.
I pushed the door open with my shoulder and walked into the office.
Asher was sitting behind his desk, eyes on his screen, moving like I hadn't just been sent out on an errand like a child. I walked closer and placed the cup down in front of him.
He glanced at it once. "What took you so long, I hope you haven't poisoned it?"
"I wish I did." I muttered under my breath.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing. I didn't poison it." That was the best reply I could give him. He bent his head back to whatever it was that he was doing.
"I hope you don't have any more attachments for today."
I frowned. "Attachments?"
"We'll be attending a meeting later," he said calmly. "One of the biggest entertainment companies in the industry. What happens there will decide the future of this company."
I scoffed. "I'm not working for you. I don't care what the future of your company looks like."
He finally looked at me then. "If you had half a brain, you would know this deal will determine the future of your own company as well."
I clenched my jaw. "That's not my problem."
"It is," he replied. "Whether you like it or not."
I laughed under my breath. "You really think you're that powerful to command me?"
He didn't answer. He picked up his phone instead. "Secretary."
A few minutes later, she knocked and entered.
"Show Edmund around," Asher said. "Let him get used to the place."
She nodded politely. "Of course."
Perfect, now I'm a full time doormat. The dude didn't even spare me a response.
Fucking jerk. I screamed inside my head.
I followed her out without looking back.
She was a pretty young lady.
Would have been the perfect flirt material if I didn't secretly like dick. I guess she would not be getting a taste of this awesomeness.
"This company started small," she said as we passed a row of offices. "Just a few people and a rented space."
"Must be nice," I muttered with disinterest.
She smiled. "It wasn't easy. Mr. Asher worked nonstop. Most people only see the results, not the years of work he put into this establishment."
We stopped by a glass wall overlooking a large workspace. "This is the production unit. Everything runs through here."
"Your boss is a jerk."
She glanced at me. "He's strict but definitely not a jerk."
"Could've fooled me."
She continued walking. "He expects a lot because he gives a lot. Most people here respect him."
Of course they would. He's a tyrant.
We moved through more departments. She explained what each one did, how they're connected, blah blah blah. At one point, I wasn't even listening anymore.
"He doesn't let emotions get in the way," she added. "That's why the company grew so fast."
"Or maybe he just doesn't care about people," I said.
She stopped walking and looked at me. "You shouldn't judge him so quickly."
"It sounds more like you've got a crush on your boss."
A blush immediately appeared on her cheeks. I knew it! Can't blame her though, the man's fine as hell.
After an hour, she checked her watch. "You should head back to Mr. Asher's office now."
"Great," I said dryly.
When I walked in, Asher was standing near the desk, pulling on his suit jacket. His sleeves were rolled up, and I noticed the way his muscles shifted under his shirt. It was obvious he worked out.
The sight did something strange to me.
"That's no way to look at your boss," he said without turning. "Though I don't blame you. I'm a fine—"
He stopped himself, then smirked.
I scoffed, but when I tried to reply, nothing came out.
"Grab the files," he said, nodding toward the desk.
I picked them up. "All of them?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"You're under me now."
"Trust me," I said without thinking. "I'd prefer to be anywhere else rather than under you."
Something darkened in those emerald eyes of his and the energy in the room shifted immediately.
"Don't be too sure about that." Was the only thing he said before walking out of the office.
"What about your coffee?"
"I no longer need it." He mumbled. Petty jerk!
I followed him out, struggling slightly with the weight of the files.
Outside, his car and escort were already lined up. One of the men opened the door for him.
Asher got in.
I stood there. "Are we sharing a car?"
"Yes," he said. "Why?"
"Can't we go in separate cars?"
"No," he replied. "You're holding important files. I need you close. I also have things to explain to you on the way, so for fuck's sake, get into the fucking car, Edmund."
Something about the way he said my name made my chest tighten. I shook it off and got in.
The door closed.
The car felt unusually hot, even with the air conditioner running.