Chapter 3: The lovely Mr. Robbins

Why did fate hate me so much?

Fate had given me a gorgeous specimen of a man as my boss—well, boss of my boss.

Yet, here I was making a horrible first impression.

Putting on a front, I made my way to my cluttered desk. There was a method to my madness, even if my secretary would tell you otherwise.

From the moment I walked into the room, I felt his watchful eyes on my figure. The sensation causing the hairs on the back of my neck to rise as my eyes darted towards the corner of my eye, trying to remain composed.

"Mr. Robbins— to what do I owe the pleasure?" I returned with a professional and questioning smile. He seemed to think over my remark while I pulled out my files and laid them on my desk. It was not typical for someone in his position to speak with the company's Junior Editor.

I was just the paper girl doing the editors' job when she did not feel like doing it.

A soft knock came from the door as Ashley, the receptionist, entered carrying a brown coffee cup. She was an astonishing girl, and I was fortunate enough to grow quite close to her over the past three months she had been here. She knew exactly how to reach my heart.

"Thank you, Ashley. You are amazing, as always." I replied with a smile, taking the cup from her hand.

"Mr. Robbins..." Ashley said hesitantly. "I am so sorry. I did not realize you were here, or I would have brought you a coffee as well. Would you like one?" She stumbled over her words, quite embarrassed.

He quietly smiled at her and shook his head, watching as she closed the door behind her.

It was becoming a bit irritating how he seemed to linger in my office and had not spoken about why he was here. The alarm bells were going off, and yet my hormones fought against them as I inhaled the scent of pine and raw earth.

"Mr. Robbins... is everything okay?" I inquired, hoping that he would reply and end this uncomfortable silence he was giving. His olive eyes cast over me again as he smiled, nodding his head.

"Actually, yes. I stopped by the firm today to look at some of the new likely prospects." Standing, he paced around my office, looking over all my photos that lingered on the walls and end tables.

"New prospects?" I replied, leaning back in my chair.

What new prospects was he talking about?

"Ms. Rivers will no longer be the editor of this firm. She is taking work elsewhere after today." My heart skipped a beat at his words. I could not help but question the suspense.

Did that mean a promotion?

Trying to stifle my excitement, I sat like there was not a rollercoaster going through my subconscious.

"So, does that mean I should expect a new supervisor? I can get papers together to help show them around and to give them an insight into your operations, if you would like?" I beamed as he gazed at me with a teasing grin.

Embracing his hands behind his back, he turned towards the bay windows that overlooked the Riverwalk and seemed to think quietly to himself.

"Come here, Ms. Iver. I want to show you something." His tone was assertive, and I did not question him one bit.

This was my job on the line, after all.

Moving from my seat, I headed towards the window, taking my place next to Mr. Robbins. I was unsure what he wanted me to do by just looking out at the mass of people moving around like mice trying to get somewhere.

"What do you see, Clarissa?" He asked, as turned his gaze on me. "I want to know your opinion on the sight before you."

The closeness between us was unsettling, but there was no hesitation in his request.

He wanted an answer.

"A city with potential waiting to be discovered, Mr. Robbins."

The words spilled from my lips, and I was suddenly very self-conscious of my answer.

Perhaps that was not what he wanted to hear. Maybe he was looking for what was out there on the street. I could not help but feel obtuse by my response.

Yet he stood next to me, grinning.

"You have an amazing mind, Clarissa, which is why I look forward to working with you in the future. I will be taking back control of my firm, for the time being, seeing as no one I can think of is qualified for the position of editor at the moment." His words were like blades to my heart. An engulfing feeling of disappointment settled in my stomach.

"Of course, Mr. Robbins." I replied, forcing a smile upon my face as I turned back towards my desk. "Was there anything else you needed?"

Letting my eyes fall on him once more, I watched the utter shock stretch across his gaze. He seemed to think over my response a moment longer before shaking his head and straightening his suit jacket.

"No, Clarissa. I think that will be all. I would appreciate a meeting Monday to go over the potential clients we have, as well as the synopsis of the work they have provided."

Giving a soft sigh, I smiled, "Of course, Mr. Brantley. I will have them first thing that morning."

Nodding his head, he exited my office, closing the door behind him. I couldn't help but let the tears slowly fall down my cheeks. I was foolish to think I was deserving of the Editor position.

After all, I was just someone undeserving, right?

Fucking asshole.

Day turned quickly into the evening as the sun dissolved behind the city buildings. I was tired of being at work. Since the meeting with Mr. Asshole, I felt incompetent in my abilities to do my job.

Sighing in protest of the never ending documents on my desk. Pushing them into a drawer I called it a night. I had a bottle of wine at home that was calling my name, and a relaxing bubble bath waiting to be enjoyed.

It was a cliché when I thought about it, but now I understood why writers liked a drink.

"Are you heading home already?" A small voice called from behind the receptionist's desk.

Ashley was a petite, pale-skinned girl with a short black bob and soft gray eyes. I had to admit she was the sweetest girl I had ever met and had the potential to be a fantastic writer with all the vision she held.

"Yes, Ashley." I sighed, "It has been a long day, and my wine and sofa are calling me."

Giggling at my comment, she picked up her purse and walked towards me. "I was just about to leave myself. I will walk out with you."

"Great. We can lock up together." I smiled, as she moved out onto the dark sidewalk, waiting for me to lock the building.

The darkened sky outside was cool and dreary. But regardless of how dreary it could be, I still gazed up at the star-filled sky. Wonder and curiosity filling me with how different my life could be if I moved outside of the city.

Reaching into my pocket, I removed my headphones and placed them in my ears. My walk was not long, but it was nice being close to the river and feeling the breeze against my skin.

My thoughts, running away from my earlier conversation with my boss, making me consider moving my job to a company that found I was worth my talent.

It was only a mild thought, but sounded better and better every day.

Growing closer to the station, a faint sound drew my attention from my music. Taking in my surroundings, my eyes fell upon a dark figure in the shadows of two buildings.

His tall lurking figure imposing, and an ominous aura surrounding him.

It wasn't what really drew me in though.

At his feet laid another body unmoving, and torn. A swirling pulse of fear began to slowly creep through my body. I could have sworn the man staring at me had long nails and glowing yellow eyes.

But then that would be impossible… right?

Standing wide-eyed in fear, I did the only thing I could think to do. I ran as fast as I could the few yards to the train platform. My feet hit the steps quickly as the train pulled up to the platform, and the doors opened.

Bursting through the open door just in time to watch them close behind me. My heart felt as if it was to erupt from my chest as I took my seat and stared out the window.

What the hell had I just witnessed?

It was at that moment a figure came up the steps, and I froze. A tall, gorgeous Hispanic man stood there panting as his eyes followed me on the train. I couldn't help but notice what looked like crimson stains on his hands and shirt.

A stale feeling of fear grew as my breath caught in my throat, watching as he disappeared out of my view as the train pulled away from the platform.

I had to admit at that moment I was petrified.