Chapter 2: First day and Miss Rose is already all over me?
[Writing quality gets better along the way. Bare with me and stick around for at least 30 chapters before passing your verdict]
Blake arrived early on his first day at Shelley Technologies, too anxious to eat breakfast. He adjusted his new visitor badge and tried to still his nervous shaking.
The front desk assistant oriented Blake and brought him up to the executives' offices.
"Big first day!" he said. "Don't look so worried, you'll do great." The man said with a reassuring smile. There was this look of a veteran who had seen all the hazards in these murky waters that the man had making Blake feel a little more assured.
Blake nodded, mouth dry. He just wanted to make a good impression on Miss Shelley. This was his big break and he couldn't afford to screw it up. The assistant showed Blake to a desk outside Rose's office.
"We all report to Miss Shelley," he whispered. "She can be intimidating. But do your job, and you'll be fine." The man left Blake with those final words, patting him on his shoulders before leaving out the door they came through.
Just then, the office door opened. Rose strode out, dressed in a dark pantsuit that hugged her tall, elegant frame. She had curves that could put a bracket to shame, and her three unbuttoned top buttons hinted at a display of voluptuous cleavage.
"Ah, there's my new secretary," she said, gazing at Blake with a smile so fake it seemed she practiced on her way coming and still got it wrong.
"H-hello, Miss Shelley," Blake stammered. "I mean, good morning."
He was captivated by his boss' beauty. How was a single person this rich, popular, powerful and drop dead gorgeous? It was simply unfair!
Rose seemed amused. "A very good morning to you too, Blake." Her eyes flickered. "Did you eat properly? First days here are...grueling." She said with an eye brow arced as she appeared to be examining Blake's outfit.
It took a second but she didn't say anything so Blake assumed she liked it since she didn't complain. Rose seemed like the kind that would be upfront about her feelings.
Those kind of people could either be easy to deal with or ruthless at the same time.
Blake's stomach rumbled. "I'll grab something later," he promised.
"Hmm, we'll see to that." Rose tilted her head, her hair shifting over one pale shoulder. "Well, let's get you started."
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Overwhelmed with documents, calls, and scheduling, Blake hardly had time to catch his breath, let alone eat. But he stayed on top of it all.
At noon, his office phone rang. It was Rose's cool voice. "You're doing well so far. Why don't you take a break?"
Before Blake could reply, Rose strode out and handed him a salad bowl and tea. Blake blinked in surprise but took them gratefully. He ate at her desk, beyond relieved for the food.
Rose crossed her arms, watching Blake closely. Her red lip curled up slightly. "See? I won't have you die on your first day." Her dark eyes glinted. "You'll need to keep your strength up here."
Blake ducked his head shyly and finished his meal under the mysterious CEO's red gaze.
He continued impressing Rose with his organization and focus. Blake often felt his boss's intense gaze on him as he worked, but it spurred him on.
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One late night finishing a report, Blake noticed the floor had gone silent around him. He checked the time - past 11 pm. His exhaustion hit suddenly. Blake stood, swaying on sleepy feet to tidy up.
"Working late?" came Rose's low voice. Startled, Blake turned to see the CEO rising from her office sofa.
He has stayed behind because he didn't see her leave so assumed she was still around. Being the secretary he needed to make a good impression and knowing he would be in constang interaction with her, getting in her good books was something he strived for.
Not to mention, it was his first day as well, the pressure was more than enough.
"I - I'm so sorry," Blake said. "I lost track of time..."
Rose approached slowly. The office lights were dimmed, and she appeared even taller and paler than usual.
"Don't apologize. Your dedication is noted, Mr. Shelton..."
Blake shivered as Rose's cold fingers gently grasped his wrist. He met the CEO's dark red gaze.
'Are those actual contacts?' Blake thought for a second, looking into her eyes that sent chills down his spine.
"Sad thing is... you mortals need rest," Rose said in a tone comparable to a whisper.
Blake could have sworn he saw fangs behind Rose's sculpted lips. Impossible.
"Go home. The reports can be done tomorrow night," she ordered.
'Mortals?' Blake blinked. He decided to listen to his boss and pack up to leave.
He felt nervous around her so he looked to see if she was still around but Rose had swept past him and was gone from the darkened floor.
Blake decided to quickly pack up for the day and leave as well, sensing he was the only one left. He grabbed his bag and cleared out the desk.
He looked around anxiously to make sure everything was in order before leaving.
He then contemplated whether to take the subway or just a taxi. Considering the cost, he bit his lips.
He decided to take the elevator from the 25th floor he was at to the first floor in order to exit the building.
At the elevators, Rose's hand caught the closing door.
"And Blake - eat before you rest." Her nail polish glinted blood red. "You'll need to keep up your strength here..."
The elevator descended, leaving Blake staring wide-eyed. He shook his head. Just an odd late-night encounter.
Outside the massive building, Blake gulped fresh air to clear his foggy head. He caught a glimpse of movement on the bottom floor. A face at the window?
Blake peered closer. He thought he saw Rose...staring down with what appeared to be two red glowing eyes. Like a wolf watching its prey.
A cold chill went through Blake. Tomorrow he would wake assuming it was all a dream. But something told him nothing here was as it seemed.
[Author's note : Please support me with powerstones and comments to get this book pushing. Thank you so much!!]