Chapter 2

Harley

"Byners? Byners?" I blinked open to find myself in a strange apartment. The walls looked somewhat familiar, but my head spinned crazy. My legs felt numb and I curled up into a ball, my hands wrapped around my knees as they hugged my shoulders.

"You answer me, when you are instructed…" A voice ringed in my ears as I tried to turn my head around and…

Crash.

"It's the middle of the day, Harley. What are you doing?" I found myself face down on the floor, my cheek plastered to the floor as my eyes blinked open. I rubbed them and tried to get up, only to feel the cold floor hard against me. From what I had heard, there were footsteps and a crowd had gathered by the time I realised I was drooling.

Taking the benefit of the doubt, I wiped it on my sleeve, trying to get to my feet when I saw someone kneel down in front of me.

"Here, get up," An arm splurged in front of me, as my eyes stuck the pointy black shoes, and later… to the face. Oh fuck.

I took the hand, getting up as my knee gave up.

"Oh God-" I swung forward, my hand resting on the knee of his navy blue pants suit, as I held onto it like my life depended on it. For some strange reason, my back ached and as I tried to steady myself against him, he staggered to keep his balance. Afraid, I would take him down with me, I held onto his shoulders and our gaze met.

"I am so sorry, Sir. I didn't mean to. I don't know how-" Before I could speak more, I saw his expression change from cold to 'You're Fired' hot. My heart clenched. Am I really trying to dig my own grave?

"In my office. Now." He mouthed the words, as he plunged me up with him. His hand pulled me up as I felt him touch the small of my back. Way to go. I am gonna get screwed.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, and turned around to see what was going on. The crowd has somehow dissipated. But the lingering aura of gossip, commotion and fright was still persistent.

"What the hell, Harley! How could you just fall down from the chair in the middle of the day like that?" I turned around to see the thirty something woman with her ultra large hoops for earrings. She had styled her hair into an elegant Bob that went well with her sharp cat eyes.

"I am sorry, Mrs. Hammer. I was really really trying to-"

"Sleep in the middle of the work day?" She completed the sentence for me. Her hands crossed in front of her, as she tapped her heels on the marble floor lightly and her fuchsia lipstick bore a neon circle into my conscience. I am fucked, ain't I?

"Report to Mr. Seifred. This is the third time this week…" She shook her round little head, as she walked away. Her silhouette of bright orange pantsuit growing small with the distance.

"There I have the answer…" I sighed.

Twenty steps down the hall, past the coffee machine and numerous cramped cubicles, I stared long at the veneer polished door. CEO, JAX.

Phew. It's not my first time anyway.

Knock.

"May I come in," I said in an almost whisper, but before I could second guess my way, the door had already turned open. My eyes blinked twice at the sight.

He had removed his coat, only donning a black satin shirt. His sleeves were rolled halfway up, and his arms looked like they were sculpted out of marble. Intense grey eyes pooled up into dark black spots as they gazed back into mine. My eyes travelled down, trying to contain my fear as I worried I would faint any moment now. His collar button was undone, and I couldn't help but notice how the space smelt of sandalwood cologne. Fuck. This is so annoying.

"Walk in. Fast." He said, and I could feel a shiver run down my spine. My eyes stuck to the ground as I walked in.

The plain old devil's lair. I rolled my eyes, looking at the black and white interior. The walls were a cold white, and the ceiling was a devilish dark black with matching interiors. A large bookshelf was shoved next to the wall and opposite to it laid the most thriving view of Downtown Seattle.

"I- I- I-" I couldn't start to form a sentence, and I could feel his shadow lurking behind me. The strong scent of sandalwood growing as his faint footsteps ringed in my ears. If there is a God, please save me. I will go to church everyday.

"Do you even know why you are summoned, Byners?" He said, and I couldn't help but clench my fists into balls on my sides. Oh damn. My back ached, and I couldn't help but feel my throat run dry.

His warmth grew around me, and by instinct, I swirled where I stood, to find him spangled up on the couch. His hand supported his heavy head as his hair fell forward, all muzzled up by his wild fingers.

"Because I was…" Sleeping? Tired? Haven't had anything to eat since morning? Thought it was a good idea? Not one sane answer that could help me keep the job.

"The reports you have sent for Ben Schulz and Co. They are good. If you keep it up, we can work through your money problem but…" He halted, and his jaw clenched. His index finger dabbed a few times on his forehead and then, he stood up.

His hands reached for the button of his shirt, popping open two of them, and I couldn't help but look away; wondering if he had lost it.

He didn't stop at it. His hands went for the third one…

"What are you doing?" I gasped, as he reached for the third one, and he clenched his jaw.

It wasn't until I looked at him fixated that I realised that a dark wet patch had formed on his shirt. Oh my god…

"What are you doing here? You don't plan to stay here all day… Do you?" He cocked an eyebrow and I couldn't help but turn around.

"Get the hell out." He scoffed, and I started walking to the door, when I felt a tug at my sleeve.

I turned around to see a half naked Alberto Seifred look me dead in the eye. My mouth widened, breath quickened and insides clenched. Holy Shit.

"Don't ever…sleep during… work hours. Again. I wouldn't let that slip again. Third time." He narrowed his gaze, as I tried to calm down my heart. My head spinned. My core ached. But my thoughts were blasphemous. How can he be so hot and yet a jerk to me at the same moment? I shook my head, trying to get out of the trance as I turned the door knob.

This is not good.