Chapter 10: Apollo Enterprise

Livia

Walking into the place I have only dreamed about felt surreal.

"Good morning, ma'am." the receptionist welcomed with a smile.

She had to be at least in her late 50s. She dressed elegantly and had years of experience finding what worked for her body. Her grey hair was pulled into a clean low bun, and side bangs made her off-white pearl earrings. The matching single pearl necklace added sophistication as the Apricot Ruthe Round-Neck Peplum top elongated her neckline. It makes one wonder what kind of shoes she's wearing.

Black leather pumps? Ankle boots? Or lambskin flats?

Livia, you're mind is a daydream. Stay focused. Glancing at her nametag, "Good morning, Sarah. I am Livia Moon, here for the 8:30 interview."

She briefly looked at her watch and then back at me, surprised. "Mr. River told me to send you to his office as soon as you arrived, but I wasn't expecting you to be 30 minutes early."

"Well, I have some very strict mentors that wouldn't tolerate me being on time. According to them, if you're early, you're on time. If you're on time,"

"You're late." she chuckled. "That's a saying I know all too well. I rarely run into someone so young with such set morals."

"I have to give credit to the masters."

She shook her head, "Oh no, darling. Anyone can teach, but that doesn't mean it's the right teaching. As anybody can learn, what's obtained is what matters."

I giggled. "You sound just like my mentors."

"Then they must be very wise." she smiled that grandmotherly smile.

"If they were to hear you now, I'm sure they would have offered to buy you dinner."

"Well, I hope they are packing in their wallets because salads are a snack, not a meal." She is so funny. We will get along very well. And no doubt she has her foot in all the company gossip.

Suddenly a girl ran passed me and behind the receptionist. Her hair was messy, and her clothes wrinkled. "Thank you for covering for me, Secretary Decker. The baby kept me up all night."

"Relax, you are a new mother with a newborn at home. I've had five kids, so I know the struggles, honey."

"Your such an angel."

"I know. My husband has been saying that since he first laid eyes on me." Sarah took out some keys from her pocket. "Here's my keys. Go to my second office. In the cupboard, there is an iron and iron board as well as some feminine care packages. I want you to knock out those wrinkles, take one of the care packages and get yourself cleaned up. We represent Sir Apollo River, and we must look the part."

Emily immediately embraces Sarah in a tender hug. "Yes, ma'am, thank you."

Sarah patted her back. "It's fine, darling. Just get yourself together. Maybe pick up something from the cafeteria on your way to my office. I doubt you had enough time for breakfast." She is an angel. There aren't many people who would go out of their way for others. People have become so selfish, or it may be human nature. Sarah, then looked at me. "May I lead you up?"

"Please." I looked down at her shoes as she walked in front of me. Pointe toe booties? Why didn't I think of that? They matched perfectly with her check-wrap skirt that showed off her toned legs. Ms. Sarah Decker has some serious taste.

"Here we are. Mr. River will be with you shortly. Good luck," She gave me a final smile before leaving me alone with my thoughts.

"Wait, did she say, Mr. River? No, I must be hearing things. I'm sure he is too busy to waste time interviewing when he probably has many people qualified to do it in his place." Gosh, Livia, you are overthinking.

If Alaric were here, he would be mocking me right now. "Never knew a devil could feel nervous or you're in your head again. Is it still empty?" I balled my fist. Even when he is not here, that ass knows how to get under my skin. "No, Livia, relax. If anybody were to walk in, they would think you were crazy."

Then, just as I regained my steady heartbeat, I heard the door opening. To my surprise, "Mr. River?"

He passed me a small smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Moon. It's a pleasure to meet you again."

So, it really was him. "You will be the one interviewing me?"

He leaned against his desk, staring down into my soul. "No, I will be the one hiring you."

My brain went into overdrive, wondering if I had heard him correctly. "Excuse me? W-what did you just say?"

"I typically don't like to repeat myself, but I will make an exception for you." He had a sly smirk on his face. "I am hiring you for the Chief Technology Officer position."

I choked on my saliva. "What? Mr. River, I am honored that you have chosen me for such a prestigious position but won't this cause controversy within the company." I stood from my seat, heedlessly walking closer to him. "You would be putting a new hire, fresh out of college, in such a position when there are people who have been working here for years that are probably more qualified. Why me?"

He didn't say anything for a while, just stared deeply into my eyes. Then I noticed my mindless actions put me eye to eye with a lion, and I'm in his den now.

∞∞∞

Apollo

"Seriously, you're just giving her the job. Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I'm the boss. I can do what I want."

"You're being irrational."

"For the last time, Parker, there is nothing to worry about. You did the background check, and Livia came back clean."

"First off, it's my job to worry. But, Apollo, you, of all people, know our circumstances."

I sighed. "If it makes you feel better, let Livia shadow you. That way, you can get a read on her and see if she is an honest person."

"Ughh, fine. Is this the price I must pay for your puppy love?"

"Thanks, bro. I owe you one."

"You owe me a lot."

Ring

"Parker fox speaking. -Uh-huh.- yeah, he's here with me. - Really? Okay, I'll let him know. Thanks, Sarah." he hung up the phone. "Looks like you're girl is here, and she's waiting in your office."

I was surprised. "So soon?"

"Yep, she's diligent. A positive point for Livia, good for you. Now you can get out of my hair so I can work."

"Oh, one more thing."

Parker was so done with me. "What is it now?"

"I want you to give her a tour after giving her the news."

"That's if she accepts it."

"She will."

"I forgot how persuasive you can be."

I exit his office excitedly. It's been about a week since I've last seen Livia. "Livia, oh Livia, what have you done to me." a song.

"Good morning, Mrs. Moon. It's a pleasure to meet you again."

"You will be the one interviewing me?" her eyes are daunting.

I leaned against my desk. "No, I will be the one hiring you."

"Excuse me? W-what did you just say?"

Cute. "I typically don't like to repeat myself, but I will make an exception for you." He had a sly smirk on his face. "I am hiring you for the Chief Technology Officer position."

She choked on her saliva before gathering herself again. "What? Mr. River, I am honored that you have chosen me for such a prestigious position but won't this cause controversy within the company." she arose from my seat and stood right in front of me.

My gosh, she's beautiful. She smells like freesia, my mother's favorite flower. Did my mother send you to me? "Livia," I whispered, stepping closer to her. My hands made refuge on her waist.

"Apollo," she whispered back breathlessly.

Only if Livia knew what was going through my mind. For the first time, I felt impulsive and out of control. I wanted to strip Livia of every article of clothing and lay her bare across my desk. I wanted my tongue to explore every inch of her until her body convulsed in pleasure.

"Apollo."

Yes, I wanted her to scream my name. Eyeing her lips, I wanted to suck on them until they were swollen. Then, once she was ready, I would give her all of me and pass the time, enjoying the unity of our bodies.

"Apollo, why me?"

"Because you're perfect." I cleared my throat to escape my intrusive thoughts but never released my hold on her. I couldn't. "I mean, you are perfect for the position."

"Which position?" I could see a glint of mischief in her eyes. She's playing a dangerous game. "Why are you so shocked? You look like you would devour me here and now." she rubbed her hand down my chest, a dangerous game. "And as much as I enjoy all of this, being the CEO's jumpoff is not how I want to start my career."

WHAT? What the hell is she thinking? "I would never treat you so low, Livia." I finally freed her, creating a safe distance between us. "I'm sorry this was not how I expected this meeting to go. You've awakened something in me, Livia, and I'm unsure if I love or hate it. But I am sure I knew you were the one when I heard you speak. For the position, I mean. And my speaking to you personally sealed the deal that day. As for any of my employees who has something to say about my decisions, they will have to face me head-on. I don't need people in my higher rank position who will only do what is asked of them. In these positions, perfection is not perfect enough. I need people with morals, vision, and a goal that exceeds mine. I need people who see the bigger picture and take charge. I am not criticizing workers who come here just because the check is nice. I have nothing to say if they don't stir up trouble and do their jobs because they also help keep my business growing. This may seem unorthodox, but I have always had an eye for raw talent. The way you captivated the audience and having them hang onto your every word is not something that could easily be done. You are a natural Livia, and I need you by my side."

She was silent. Was I convincing enough? "Okay, Apollo, I accept your offer. I won't disappoint you, and you will not regret your decisions."

She said yes. "I never do, Ms. Moon." there was a knock on the door. "Come in," in walked Parker.

"Good morning, Livia. I hope you've accepted the offer."

"Yes, Mr. River was quite persuasive."

"One of his many talents." Parker teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Livia, Parker will be your mentor in training. He will give you a tour of the company and an idea of your daily workload."

Parker jotted down his tasks on his handheld. "So, we will be having another Moon working with us. Do you happen to have a brother Livia?"

She tensed at the question. "Had. I had a brother once."

"I'm sorry to hear that I was insensitive to ask."

"No, you don't have to apologize. I can hardly remember those times, but hopefully, I get to meet this other Moon you were talking about," she changed the subject.

Parker played along. "Yeah, you will work alongside him since he is the Executive Technology Officer. So, Ms. Moon, would you be so kind as to follow me."

"Sure. See you around, Apollo."

I chortled. "I'll make sure of it, Livia. Oh, before you leave, can I see your hand." I took out a ring sizer and wrapped it around her pinky.

"Are you proposing to me?"

I thumped her forehead. "No, you silly girl. I'm getting your size for your security ring. It serves as an all-access security pass for the top-tier floors."

"That's a bit extreme."

"I know, but predators are always lurking, trying to take what they can't have."

"It's like security on steroids." she joked.

I laughed. "Security on steroids? That's a good one."

Parker eyed between us. "Am I sensing something spicey?"

"Mild, but I prefer to torch my tongue," Livia responded.

"Oh really? Well, that's not good."

"I know, right."

I can't deal with them. "Both of you get out."

"Rude. Come on, Livia, I'll give you a few pointers on rectifying such a possible calamity."

"Out."