Office Gossips and A Dangerous Man.

"Paula," I called out, and she looked up from her computer with a bright smile.

"You're back!" She squealed, running over to hug me.

Except for Ava, Paula is the second friend I have, and she's the only one who has kept me sane in Ava's absence.

She pulled away, and I noticed her colorful attire, which matched her bubbly and outgoing personality.

"I'm so happy you're back; it was so boring without you," she dramatically flailed her hands in the air.

I smiled and shook my head in amusement.

"Tell me, how was your break?" Paula asked.

"It was good," I mumbled. "I got to clear my mind and have some peace."

Paula sighed sadly and wrapped her arms around my shoulders.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't at work that day. If I had been, Aubrey's fake face would have been destroyed by my fist!"

She snorted, and I laughed.

"It's not your fault, Paula. You don't have to apologize. Besides, I can handle myself," I said, with a confident smile.

Paula rubbed my shoulder.

"You know I'll always be here for you, right?" I nodded with a grateful smile.

"Thank you Paula. Well, I came here to get information about some meeting about...."

"Damn!" She cursed and slapped her forehead.

"I'm sorry Camila, I totally forgot about that. I should have sent a text to brief you about the meeting, but I totally forgot."

She went over to her table to search among the files that lay scattered on it.

"It's okay, just tell me what this meeting is about...."

"Finally!" She exclaimed when she found what she was looking for. "Here, this is where he is supposed to sign, that's if he agrees to be...."

"Paula," I cut her off from her rambling session and she smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry." She mumbled out.

"Tell me, what is it about?"

"Alright." She started to explain, and as she did, I silently considered the points I could make to persuade the individual in question to support the company.

"What's the time?" I asked.

"It's past two already, why?" She furrowed her brows and i shook my head.

"It's nothing, I just want to know how much time I have to get myself ready for the meeting." She squeezed my palm and gave me a reassuring smile.

"I trust you will be able to do this, Camila."

"Thanks for your support. Besides, what's the name of the man?"

"Let me check." She excused herself to look through her journal.

"Luciano Dela Lucchese." The name rolled off from her tongue.

"Yessss!" She exclaimed loudly. "I knew I was forgetting to tell you something Cammie." Her eyes gleamed with mischief, cobbling me to give her a suspicious look.

"You have to make this perfect because Luciano Dela Lucchese is no one to be messed with. Arrogant, powerful, dangerous and, importantly, he is breathtakingly ravishing, you should take a lot of wipes or condom, girl,"she blinked her eyes dreamingly, which rivaled a chuckle from me.

"You're impossible." I muttered.

"Now I wish I was the one in your place, but that's not a problem, you can help me, right?"

"Paula.' I called her sternly. "I'm going there for work and, as you said, he is no one to be messed with. You know I really can't risk my job, and face his and Mr Paisley's wrath.'

"Yes, I know he's not someone to mess with, but you can mess him up. I mean, look at that ass!"

She smacked it, making me groan and slap her arm.

"Behave, Paula," I scolded, glaring at her, and she pouted. But then another mischievous idea struck her colorful brain, and she grinned like an idiot.

"Well, if you won't do it for yourself, then do it for me. I'm going to send a lot of my sexy nudes so you can show him, and then he'll request for me."

"You're crazy," I shook my head in disbelief and walked away.

^^^^

I made sure I looked presentable for the meeting before I left the office. While in the car, I kept reciting my points over and over again.

This man should be so powerful and of great importance because Mrs Paisley heavily warned me to try and be perfect to impress him. I wonder who he is and why I have never heard of him.

As I rounded the corner, a sleek, sky-high tower came into view, its dark glass facade glinting in the moonlight.

I pulled into the parking lot, where rows of luxury vehicles gleamed, and brought my car to a stop.

Stepping out into the crisp air, I gazed up at the imposing structure, its towering presence both intimidating and intriguing.

As I stepped inside, I was amazed by the stunning interior.

The luxurious decor and precise details created an atmosphere of elegance. I wondered how much the owner had invested in creating such a beautiful space.

Whoever he is, he undoubtedly loves the color black because it is used in so many things: the furniture, walls, tiles, and other items.

The setting was just as silent and solemn as it was frigid.

Only the sounds of people typing on their keyboards, shoes clicking on the clear marble tiles and the industrial sound from the air conditioners could be heard.

This room was completely silent, in contrast to the bustling, noisy staff of the 'Paisley fashion house,' where I worked.

I found the receptionist, and she nicely guided me on what to do. I sent my gratitude to her before making my way into an elevator.

I arrived at the floor she gave me and met his secretary. She asked me to wait because he was in a meeting with someone else. I glanced at the time and saw it was past seven already.

What kind of workaholic is he that his meetings extend till late at night?

After a series of anxiously tapping my legs, the sound of a door made me pause my action. A lady dressed in a red skimpy gown walked out looking angry.

Her face was baked with makeup and her black hair was held in a high bun.

Her eyes landed on me and for some reason she scowled.

I don't even know her and vice versa, so why did she do that? Now that's what I'm talking about when i say people hate me for no reason.

Shrugging the hurtful reality behind me, I braced myself up to face a bigger problem.