Twenty Four.
I take my seat, despite the fact that a part of me wants to scold him for speaking to me in this manner. I mean, the word 'please' never really hurt anyone.
He removes a portfolio from the top drawer of his desk. He stares at me with pride, his palms resting on top of the leather fabric.
"I have something I would like to present to you." As he unzips the leather portfolio, he murmurs gently. "I need a clear set of eyes to analyse my design and tell me the truth."
"I'm truly honoured, Mr Burak. However, I believe that my opinion will be irrelevant. Particularly with regards to your designs." I inform him apprehensively.
He would soon realise that I have no sense of fashion whatsoever if he were to know that I dont pick out my weekly outfits. Castello chooses everything I wear. He has also gone through the trouble to name my clothing after the days of the week.
He's done his best to try and dummy-proof everything for me.
If I had it my way, I'd be showing up in a pair of loose sweat pants, a hoodie and high cut chucks. Obviously with a loose high top knot hairstyle.
But, I agree to entertain his thoughts of me knowing what exactly to look for in a shoe design. Truth be told, I rarely wear heels and when I do, they are cheap knock-offs that Ace scores for me through their shipment containers.
"I just want your honest opinion, Ms Cross. That's all." He says as he pushes the design forward and leans back in his chair with his eyes focusing on me.
"Okay," I say sceptically as I lean forward in my chair.
It's as if the Gods can sense the worry that sweeps over me, answering my prayers to be saved from trying to lie through the skin of my teeth.
The sound of his phone ringing fills the room with a wonderful symphony known as, 'Thank Fuck'!
My eyes shine with gratitude as I watch him reach into the breast pocket of his suit.
He sighs loudly as he pulls out his phone and gives it a glance before letting out a frustrated grunt.
I watch as he rises from his chair and I stand also, intending to exit his office to give him some privacy.
"This shouldn't take long." He motions for me to sit back down.
The door closes with a faint click. I lower myself back into my seat and I take a moment to look around his office.
His second office that is.
I tap my nails along the armrest of the chair and begin to wonder why he needs an office on the top floor.
Why does this one have frosted windows?
Is this the office he uses to sketch out his designs?
The questions are endless.
Questions I have no right to ask.
The prospect of being left alone with his notorious design in front of me. Prompts me to quickly remove my phone from my handbag and capture a few quick snapshots before he returns.
I cast a glance at his design.
As expected, it's extremely stunning. Something I could never personally wear though. I'm such a clutz I'd probably end up breaking my ankles in the 8" pin heels. The large bow on the rear is a gorgeous addition, as is the peep-toe design in a baby blue hue.
I swiftly return my phone to my bag. The sense of guilt overcomes me completely, and I begin to doubt the type of person I have become.
They say that everyone has two choices. Your choices are not only determined by your nature, but by the hands that enslave you to carry out their commands as well.
That is me.
"Ms Cross,"
I am enslaved by Castello's hands. I have a debt to pay before I can try to live a normal life within the walls of the mansion. Leaving Ace isn't an option for me, especially if I value my life or want to be in Sandros' life.
"Ms Cross!" A velvety voice says once again.
Shit, that's me...
"Ms Cross," He calls for a third time shattering my train of thought entirely.
I turn in my seat to glance at him as I run my fingers through my hair.
My heart flutters in my chest as I gaze at him. He's like a tall piece of chocolate that makes my mouth water. His luscious lips gradually curl upward into a mischievous smirk, and I clear my throat, realising he is aware of the effect he has on me.
"Yes, Mr Burak." I stand from my chair as I run my hands down the front of my clothes.
"You can go back to the eighth floor. If you're needed I'll reach you through your email." He says as he strides to his desk, he presses the button and the fog begins to dissipate.
"Is everything alright?" I ask with a scowl on my face.
His sudden dismissal of me has me questioning if he knows who I am.
"Evet (yes), I will remain here for the rest of the day." He picks up the design from his desk and carefully places it back into his folder. "You can leave now." He gracefully sinks into his chair and points to the door that he's clearly left wide open for me.
~Later that evening~
"You said you have something to show me?" Castello motions for me to enter his office.
"I do," I unlock my phone and bring up the snaps of the shoe. "When I showed up to work this morning, Aydem escorted me to the top floor of the building. He led me to another office, where he extracted a leather portfolio containing a sketched design for a shoe." I hand him my phone, which has a shot of the sketch shown.
He takes the phone from my grasp and examines the screen. A scowl begins to form on his face.
"How did you obtain this?" He inquires as he continues to scroll through the images.
"He asked my opinion and showed it to me. His phone rang before I could say anything, and he left me alone in the office.
"Ti ha lasciato solo con il suo pregiato sketch?" (He left you alone with his prized sketch?)
"Yes, he did."
"Ti stava mettendo alla prove." (He was testing you.) He exhales harshly as he gives my phone back.
"How do you know?" I ask with confusion.
"Why would he leave you alone in his office with his most valued possession?" He snaps. "It's your second day as his personal assistant. Do you really believe he would leave you alone knowing that he has many rivals wanting to get their hands on his design?"
He is right, and I cannot believe I fell for his trap.
Why would I believe that anything, where Aydem is concerned, will be as simple as snatching an apple from a fruit tree by the road?
"Apart from that, Mila. You would know that Aydem despises the colour baby blue if you had done your homework. He is completely opposed to the colour blue altogether."
