Chapter 7

Malcom Smith's POV

“Yes, sir.” Roselyn acknowledged, trailing behind me to my office.

“That file.” I pointed to a brown file on the desk. “You need to evaluate it.”

She picked the file up, glancing through its contents before I dismissed her.

The file could wait, but I couldn't. I hadn't needed Roselyn for anything. The file was always tucked away in a corner and could wait for even one more week, but I wanted an excuse. A reason to walk past that desk a second time.

Her desk. The new receptionist sat there, her attention never faltering from the tablet. I caught the way she fidgeted when a visitor walked in. Her eyes were fixed on me when I came inside, and I wondered, did she admire me the same way I admired her?

She didn't know that the only reason she was seated there and wasn't cleaning floors was because of me. I saw her when she came for the interview, and she caught my attention, just like the day I saved her from the rogues.

That night, I hadn't expected to save my high school crush from the rogues. It was an alpha instinct to protect one in danger, nothing more.

Ruby Philips. In high school, she had been quiet, too quiet, reserved and extremely distant. She never joined the gossip circles, never laughed, never seemed to care if people noticed her or not. Even with that, I still noticed her. Back then, I interpreted her as a snob who was too proud to talk to anyone, so I never approached her, never confessed my feelings.

Now, she was sitting a few feet away from my office desk. Her skin was radiant and plump, just like I remembered. Her hair was a little longer, falling in waves and she kept tucking it nervously behind her ears. She was beautiful. Her cheeks carried a natural elegance, unlike the cheek fillers I saw everyday at the modeling agency, making her stand out in this place.

Her brown eyes had the same soft demeanour that I noticed since high school. She wasn't flawless like the way magazines advertised, but she was perfect in my eyes.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the glass wall before me. My wolf stirred uneasily inside me, aware of how my heart fluttered for her.

I narrowed my eyes at the faint reflection of her form on the glass. I should talk to her. I took a deep breath, wondering if she had many other admirers lining up for her. I wouldn't be surprised. She was unique.

My beta, Chris, came into the office. He never knocked like the rest. His face was shadowed with a look of worry. The way he hesitated before speaking, made me know that something had occurred.

He handed a file to me.

“She has decided to press charges.” Chris announced as he slumped into the sofa opposite me.

Damnit! I cursed, slamming my fist into my mahogany desk. I knew that woman never loved me. She was obviously there for only the money.

“Malcom, we can definitely beat her in court. We'd just hire a good lawyer. There's nothing to worry about.”

I took a deep breath. Chris was right. If my ex girlfriend goes to court to get fifty percent of my property, then we could fight her back in court.

I handed the file back to him and reclined in my chair. “Contact the lawyer. She isn't getting anything from me.”

Chris nodded in acknowledgement and left. I took out a glass and poured myself some wine. Kylie was my girlfriend for over a year. I met her in a club, I was crazy for expecting love from her. Anyway, I caught her cheating on me and confronted her. She switched the tables and claimed that I physically assaulted her and pressed charges against me, demanding half of my assets.

I would make sure she doesn't get even one dollar from me.

I shook off thoughts of her from my mind, and resumed thinking about my high school crush who was now in the same building as me.

I emptied the glass of wine and grabbed my jacket to move out of the office. I needed to talk to her even though I didn't have anything to say. I just wanted to know what her voice sounded like.

I hurried towards the corridor and glanced at her desk which was empty. Her tablet rested on the table. I allowed a frown to settle on my face. This company was priceless and no one was allowed to abandon their duties when it wasn't break time.

I saw her emerge later with two cups of coffee. She walked towards the staff by the right and handed the cups to them. It was obvious that they sent her on an errand.

“You aren't allowed to leave your front desk during work.” I said to her as she settled in her seat.

She stuttered, fumbling nervously with her hands. “I'm…I'm so sorry.”

Her voice sounded like a melody. So gentle and pleasing to the ears. The day I saved her from rogues, I hadn't paid much attention to her voice. Although, she also sounded nervous and scared. I hoped I hadn't pushed her too hard.

I didn't say anything in response. I casually lingered around, before strolling back to my office. When I returned, I allowed the smile which I subdued to appear on my face. My heart acted like a teenager who fell in love for the first time.

An idea settled in my mind. I had another offer for her, and I doubted if she'd accept it easily like she did with the receptionist job. I'd have to discuss it with my beta and Roselyn first before telling her about it.

I glanced at the clock, 3:30. Evening was fast approaching, and soon night would take over. I had to leave to prepare for my regular night duties. Even as I left the building, she remained on my mind.