LUCY
It's been three weeks since I started working at 'GG'. Let me tell you, this isn't a normal working place, atleast my floor.
Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a freaking library. This place doesn't need a room spray, different types of perfumes and deodorants will always linger in the air suffocating me.
All you can hear is the clicking sound of the mouse, keyboard and, of course, heels. Don't even get started with gossip.
What type of office doesn't have gossip? I hoped that I could learn more about Moretti's here, you know, since they are GG's rival and all, but no, other than how hot our CEO is and how he occasionally 'screws' his assistant, you cant hear any other. That, too, only in washrooms.
''Take these files to Mr. Ganovese, make sure he signed and submit them to the secretary's department" Mr. Agosti, my boss said, handing me some files.
''Yes sir''.
''You can call me 'Rocco' when we are alone, Lucy". He said, giving one of his charming smiles for the nth time.
Rocco Agosti is a handsome man in his late twenties, single, smart and has many qualities that attract the female population, like honey bees.
I just smiled in return and went to the elevator, pressing 50th floor.
Exhausting is the only word that could describe my situation when I reached my final destination. I hate elevators. Period. I had to stop 6 times from the 27th floor to here.
Wish I could use that elevator, painted in gold, used exclusively only by our CEO and that fake blonde, with fake eyelashes, with a tight blouse with a few buttons open, showing her cleavage more than necessary and with a real frown, typing furiously on her computer, a.k.a, Mr.CEO's assistant.
I went near her at dusk and cleared my throat to gain her attention.
''Umm.. I need these files signed'' I said, giving her files with a smile.
''You can go and get yourself '' she said with an irritated tone, pointing to the door with CEO engraved in italics on it.
Both my smile and heart dropped. I almost pouted after hearing those words. I mean, I know that it's my job, but I guess I got lucky as Martha, which is her name by the way, never gave me that chance. Looks like I'm out of lucky coins.
I hesitantly went towards the door and stared at it.
Why is she so irritated? Is it OK if I go in? What if Mr. Ganovese is angry? Is that why she is sending me in?
I took a deep breath and raised my arm to knock.
''Hey wait! Give them to me, I'll take care of them and don't come, I'll send them to the secretary's department." Martha said, snatching those files from me.
What the hell is wrong with her? I looked at her confused and gave her an awkward smile.
What changed?
I shrugged and went towards the elevator, waiting for it.
Urgh.. come on.. fast.
I crossed my arms and started tapping my foot impatiently.
I casually looked back and saw Martha open another button, pushing her breast up. They are almost falling out. Ew. Are they going to do it? Here? In his office? My face curled into disgust. The elevator dinged and I immediately stepped inside.
^●^
ALEX
I leaned back and closed my eyes after completing my conference call. The past month has been really stressful.
Her eyes. They are still haunting me. I can't seem to get her out of my mind and I didn't even know her name.
I opened my eyes when I heard a knock. Martha came in with some files and placed them on my table, giving me a clear view of her cleavage.
''You look stressed Mr. Ganovese'' Martha said seductively and sat on my lap, placing one hand around my neck, the other on my chest and whispered ''We haven't even met outside since you came from New York. I know office romance is not your thing, but I think you need a release''.
Maybe I really need one.
I grabbed her jaw and looked at her lips to kiss, but I didn't see a mole on it. I still remember how her lips felt against me.
Shit!! Why the hell am I thinking about her right now?
I cursed under my breath and got up abruptly, making her fall. A shriek escaped her mouth but I caught her before her ass kissed the floor.
''Not now, Martha, and don't ever try this in the office again. Move '' I told her sternly.
''What's wrong with you? You never called me after you came from New York. I know we don't meet regularly but it's been more than a month, Alex!! Don't tell me that you replaced me'' she asked, using her high pitch tone.
''Its Mr. Ganovese to you. What I do or whom I meet is none of your business! And don't expect any calls from me again after working hours, Ms. Stewart. Now send these files to the secretary's department.'' I said, signing those files furiously, almost tearing them in the process.
''What!! You can't do that! I love you Alex! Please don't do this to us! Give us a chance. Please!'' She screamed in tears.
Great! The last thing I want in my life is love, relationship and a possessive girlfriend!!
I know this 'no strings attached' is not my thing.
It's been 8 months since Angela died.
It's not like I'm the most pleasant person in the world, but I lost another important person in my life and I distanced myself more from my family and friends.
Rocco told me that I needed to loosen up a bit and tried to hook me up, but I refused at first.
Angela was the only woman in my life. We are each other's first. She was my best friend. She had an accident on the day we were supposed to marry and it was my fault.
Now see what happened, Rocco! It's not that I don't respect her, but she is just clingy.
I clenched my jaw.
''You can see yourself out, Ms. Stewart. You are fired.'' I said without looking at her.
I dialed the reception and asked them to send someone for help as Martha would need somebody to carry her belongings.
"No plea-''
''Out. Now''
LUCY
I sat on my chair and was about to make some calls, Mr. Agosti called me.
''Lucy, didn't I tell you to make sure that Mr. Ganovese signed those files and sent them? Then why did I get a call from him asking me to send someone to collect them?''
''Yes sir, but Ms. Stewart said that she would take care of them." I frowned.
Did she forget about them or what?
''Well, she got fired and I need you to complete that work ASAP!'' He ordered and hung up.
I looked at the phone in disbelief. It's hardly been 15mins, how the hell did she manage to screw up her perfect job within minutes?
Like you did with your previous job.
Hehe.
Oh no!! Now there is no escape! I'm going to meet the richest person in the country! God help me!
When I reached the floor, Martha's desk was as clean as new and her things were being carried by one of the security guards. There is no sign of her. Wow! That was fast.
I knocked twice and heard a 'come in'.
Why does it seem familiar?
I slowly entered the room, but my heart dropped and my throat became dry as soon as I saw him.
Oh my God!!
I know that Italy is a small country, but among 60 million people, why the hell does he have to be here?
Thank God for his arrogance, he didn't even spare a glance at me but pointed to those stupid files, probably too busy doing work on his computer. I slowly exhaled through my mouth and started going towards his table.
As soon as I got hold of them, he looked up and froze.
I gave him a sheepish smile and did one thing that any sane person wouldn't do.
I ran.
@_@
''Why do you look like you saw a ghost?'' Nat asked as I gave her files.
''Yeah, something like that. Our CEO''
She chuckled and gave those files to one of her coworkers and pulled me towards the canteen.
''So, I heard Ms. Assistant finally got fired?'' Nat asked as soon as we sat down.
I sighed, nodding my head. I told her everything that happened in the airport, on the plane except that kiss.
She laughed loudly, gaining some unwanted attention. Well, at least someone found it funny.
But what the hell am I thinking? I'm sure he forgot about my existence until now and don't forget that I actually called him a pervert!
Oh boy! I'm definitely in trouble! I'm going to become another Martha by getting myself fired!
''Chillax! Nothing will happen. Trust me'' Nat said, patting my shoulder as we parted away from the elevator.
''Easy for you to say. It's me who is in trouble!'' I shook my head as she tried to control her smile.
ALEX
The fuck!? Am I hallucinating?
I'm miserable because of her and here she is looking at me with wide eyes and slightly parted lips.
Before I could react, she smiled at me sheepishly and ran like a mad woman.
Is it really her? If it is her, then what is she doing here? All these days she is working for me?
I quickly dialed Rocco and asked him to send her.
It's been more than half an hour. Why is it taking so long!?
I dialed Rocco again.
''Where the hell is she, Rocco? How much time do you need to send your assistant from the 27th floor to here?''
''Shutup dude! Its lunch break! I'll send her as soon as I see her. But why the fuck you are so impatient to see her? Did she do something wrong?''
''Don't forget to send her'' I hung up, ignoring his questions.
After another 20 painful minutes of waiting, I finally heard a knock.
She came and stood in front of me. She wore a black pencil skirt that reached below her knees but had a small cut at the side, a white shirt which was loose and a cardigan. Her hair is in a tight bun. No trace of makeup or lipstick except for her eyeliner, which made her eyes more attractive.
She effortlessly took my breath away.
''What's your name?'' I asked and stood up.
'' L-Lucy. Lucy Vitale'' she stammered and bit her lip as I continued my way towards her.
I don't know how I lost control or why I did that, but all I know is that I want to, I need to feel her lips again.
I wanted to kiss her badly on the plane but I restrained myself as we are strangers. But I regret not kissing her the moment I lost sight of her.
But not now, not when I finally get to see her and hold her again.
I couldn't stop myself from grabbing her by her waist and the nape of her neck, smashing my lips on hers.
Every fiber in my body was burning with desire as I started kissing her. Her lips are perfect. Not too soft or hard, just warm and perfect. Her body felt like heaven against me. I sucked her lower lip, making her moan.
I froze as I felt a sting on my left cheek. I closed my eyes tightly, clenching my jaw.My hands curled into a fist.
I, Alessandro Lexus Ganovese , just got fucking slapped.
LUCY ''I-I'm.. uh. I'm so-" No wait! Why the hell am I trying to apologize? He deserves it! "Umm.. y-you shouldn't do that!! It's inappropriate. Don't ever ki-kiss anyone without their consent'' I said and ran away for the second time.This time I used that private elevator because, for one, no one could see my flustered face and two, I may never get this chance again. This time I know I'm going to get fired. I groaned and stomped my foot.I went directly to Mr. Agosti's office and took leave, saying that I'd complete my work at home. He agreed as it's just 3hrs and tomorrow is Saturday.I packed all my stuff and kept it in the corner of my desk. Well, if I'm going to get fired, at least I should be prepared. Right?I took my phone and messaged Lia.Me : I'm going home. I'll explain everything later. Do you remember the school timing? Pick up Vicky and Jay on your way home. Tomorrow I'll tell Gemma to prepare your favorite Chicken Casserole.😁Nat : And don't forget to buy a choco c
LUCYI stood there without blinking. I saw someone sitting at my desk.What is he doing? I know I'm getting fired but he should have called me to his cabin to tell him that instead of here, in front of everyone.I cleared my throat. ''Sir?''He snapped out of whatever he was thinking and stood up.''Oh hey Lucy, I actually came to tell you to pack your things, but it seems like you have already ..'' Mr. Agosti trailed off, glancing at my things, which were perfectly packed.I gave him an awkward smile. What should I say? That I already expected this? My nose started to itch, indicating that my eyes were going to sting.I pinched the tip of my nose before it was too late. Gosh, what's wrong with me? Why am I so disappointed? What did I expect? That I finally got a chance to experience all the lovey-dovey stuff? It's just a kiss! Not a big deal!''I just uh.. expected this would happen sir. Should I just take my things and go or? Are there any formalities?''''No, no. I'll call someone
LUCY''Umm.. You there?'' I asked, waving my hand in front of her face.She blinked a few times before composing herself.''Why do you want to know about them? Is it because they are your company's rivals?''''No, it has nothing to do with the company, it's more complicated. Actually, why don't you have my number? It's too late now, give me a call when you are free!'' I said, giving her my card.She looked hesitant, but took it with a nod.''Thanks for the ride Lucy''''No problem''....''Who do you think is best?'' Mr. Hottie asked, placing some pictures on his desk.''We need to select one of them for our new product, I'm counting on you.'' He went back to signing his files after pushing them towards me.I sat in front of him and went through the pictures. There are some new and some are top models.After going through their social media accounts and some websites, I selected a new model. She is 5.8ft tall, blonde and has light green eyes.Her name is Elvira D'Oro and I think sh
LUCY''What's your name again?''I'm starting to despise elevators.''Lucy Vitale'' I said, giving her a forced smile.She didn't even look my way or atleast nod her head. She is so engrossed in her mobile.''Okay Lucy, you can go. I'll manage from here.'' She said as we stepped out.''Um, I'm actually joining you guys for lunch.'' This is getting awkward.''Oh'' she cleared her throat and continued. '' Can you not join us? I want to talk to him privately ''The nerve of this girl! Uff!''I can't do that, Ms. D'Oro. I wouldn't have joined if he hadn't asked me to and your manager should have mentioned the word privately when he asked me'' I said, smiling at her sweetly.''Take your seat Ms. D'Oro, I'll be back in a minute '' I said to her when we reached the dining hall and went out.I don't want to be alone in the same room as her. I might smack her because of my insecurity.What's wrong with me?I saw Mr. Hottie came out of his private elevator and went near him.''Ms. D'Oro is insi
LUCYAfter speaking with Ria last night, we decided to meet for lunch today.So here I am at a restaurant near my office waiting for her, but she is late.My break time is almost over and I don't know if I want to wait any longer. Because I just took the afternoon off yesterday because of Sam and I didn't want to irk Mr.Hottie.Speaking of Hottie, he looked extra hot today.I sighed, dreamily remembering him.As I was about to get up, I spotted Ria coming towards me.''sorry I'm late'' She apologized and sat in front of me.Okay, now should I tell her that I want to go? She looks like she ran a marathon to get here though.''It's OK, but my break is over, Ria. I'm afraid I can't talk to you right now.'' I said, looking at my watch.I'm already 10mins late.''O-Oh'' she looked like a sad puppy when she said that.I don't know what to do right now. Wasn't it me who asked for her help? I know that it's her fault that she came late, but since I need her.. I'm going to take an off, officia
ALEX''I'm going to invite Lucy and Nat to my birthday party''''Don't you fucking dare Sam'' Monica said, glaring at her.Here we go again!''Why the fuck you are so against it, Monica?'' Sam asked, glaring back.''Yeah, why?'' I kicked Rocco's leg when he asked that.One thing I got to know from years of friendship is that, never, I repeat, never get in the middle of a girl's argument.Thankfully, they are both busy glaring at each other to notice us.We do this shit twice or thrice a month according to our schedules. This time it's my place. I live in a separate house, apart from my family.When I say family, it means the whole family.My grandmother died before I was born, so it's just my grandpa Adriano, his first son, a.k.a my father Gilbert, his second son Gino, my uncle and his wife Melissa, along with their daughter Karina, that's our grandma's name, live in our family house, but I moved out as soon as I joined college.His third and precious child, my aunt Giada and her husb
LUCY''Didn't I tell you to complain to your teacher when someone bullies you? Then why did you hit him Jay?'' I'm furious to see him like this. His left eye was slightly swollen, his cheeks and knuckles were bruised.God!!! It must hurt a lot.''I-It was me who hit him first, Mamma. When he tried to hit me back, Jay came in front of me and this happened. I'm so s-sorry Mamma, I-I'll not do this again! I-I P-Promise!'' Vicky said, his voice cracked at the end, making me want to cry all over again.But I need to be strong! If I cry, he will cry too.''Did you cry Mom?'' Jay asked, placing his hand over my cheek. He opened his mouth for the first time since I came.I took his hand and squeezed it lightly.''No, I didn't and why is that only you two are here?'' I frowned, looking at him and Vicky.''Ma'am went to take a call, it's just been 10 mins mom. Don't stress out!'' I nodded and looked at Vicky.''Now tell me, why did you hit that boy in the first place!'' But he shook his head.I
LUCY ''How is everything Ria?'' I asked her on the phone while going through my wardrobe. Sam invited me and Nat to her birthday party! She even asked me to bring the kids. I still don't know how she knows about Jay and Vicky. I'm assuming it's either Mr. Agosti or Mr.Ganovese was the one who told her. Yeah, he is not Hottie anymore. It's been more than a week since he came to my home. Things were awkward afterwards. I tried to speak to him many times during office hours, but he chose to ignore me. I was so hurt that I almost cried! So, now back to Ria. As we planned, I booked her a room in NewView! She is staying there from today for two weeks. Hope she finds something against Moretti's! ''Everything is okay. The room is so beautiful! The view from the balcony is awesome.'' She sounds excited. ''I'm glad you like it! But please be careful, if you ever have the slightest doubt that you are in danger, just run from there, OK?'' ''Okayyy'' she said in a sing-song voice. I rolle
LUCYMy heart raced like a runaway train, the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I struggled against the death grip.I kicked and writhed, every fiber of my being focused on breaking free from this sudden nightmare.Panic surged through me as I was forcefully dragged away from the safety of the street and into the alley behind the ice cream parlor.I looked around, desperate for a way out, but my eyes landed on two more figures in the alley.One of them, a towering man with bulging muscles, seemed like a bodyguard. His sheer size and intimidating presence sent shivers down my spine.The other person, a woman, looked strikingly beautiful and crazy at the same time. Her wild pink hair was allover her face and her eyes held a hint a madness that made me uneasy for an instant.My mind raced, piecing together the situation and I knew I was trapped.That woman clicked her tongue and pouted in a mocking manner as if she found amusement in my fear. She lifted her hand, bringing it to my f
LUCY As I stood by the xerox machine, feeding it paper after paper, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration building up within me. Printing out documents, answering calls, and running errands had become the mundane routine of my job. I jabbed at the buttons on the machine with more force than necessary, my annoyance clearly evident.I'm so over this. I can't just do this anymore. That's it. I'm going to ask Rocco to allow me to attend this afternoon's meeting. It's been months since I joined and still haven't got a chance to set foot in the conference room along with Rocco.I attended a few meetings with Alex though, that was more like one-on-one meetings. But this meeting with Rocco will be full on discussions about business operations, strategies and issues with other department heads and team members.With new determination, I went to Rocco's office. After knocking twice, I entered the room and slammed the papers I had just printed on his desk as gently as possible.You se
LUCYThe sun peeked through the curtains, waking me harshly from my slumber. As I opened my eyes, a mixture of excitement and nervousness filled my heart.Today I decided to make my relationship with Alex public at the office. If Carolina or Beatrice said anything to others, there would already be a new rumor waiting for me.I sighed and sluggishly made my way to the kitchen, where Gemma had already prepared breakfast for us. "Buongiorno, Lucy!" Gemma greeted me with a broad smile. "Nervous about today?"I sighed and nodded. "A little. I hope everything goes well."Gemma chuckled and gave me a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't worry. Everything will be just fine. Now, let's focus on getting these little rascals fed and ready for the day!"As we sat around the table, Vicky and Jay joined us with their unruly bed hair and contagious energy.Vicky plopped down beside Gemma, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Mamma!Alex is still coming to pick us up, right?''I grinned at his excitement.
LUCYMy grip on the handle tightened as Elvira's face inched towards Alex. They are standing a few steps away from the sofa. I could partially see Alex's face as his back faced the entrance and Elvira was too engrossed in Alex to notice me. My heart sank and a wave of pain washed over me. I could literally feel the ache in my heart.It was almost similar to the feeling I get whenever I think about Alex. The only difference is, that was full of love and this feels like heartbreak.Love? Did I just say that? My timing truly sucks.Before Elvira could place her lips against his, Alex slapped her hands off him. I flinched involuntarily like it was my hands that he slapped.Okay, ouch, that must have hurt.''Don't you ever touch me again'' The coldness in his voice sent shivers down my spine.Elvira hissed and looked at him in disbelief. ''Do you even know what you are saying? How could you reject me? Am I not to your liking?''I could see Alex's jaw flex as he clenched it. ''I have no int
LUCYI sat at my desk, tapping my fingers nervously. It's been three days since the bathroom incident. True to her words, Carolina never let go of any chance to torment me.And the worst thing? I haven't been able to see Alex in the office. I can't believe Carolina is actually doing this!Normally, if a file is needed to be signed/reviewed, anyone from the secretary's department will bring it me, and if the COO thinks it needs to be checked/ needs the CEO's sign, I'll take that file to Alex's assistant. I'm supposed to give the file to her but instead, I'll give it to Alex myself, so that I can see him.Sometimes he will be too busy, like having a video conference or having meetings, but when he is free, we usually kiss, talk, hug and kiss some more.But now, Carolina has made that impossible for me. I know she is the head of the secretary's department, but I never imagined that she'd actually send a person to fetch files from end to end. Sometimes, she personally takes files to Alex
ILARIAI woke up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. I sighed and decided to go to the kitchen to find something to eat. As I got out of bed, I realized I was only wearing a tank top and panties. I shrugged, thinking it was just me. The coolness of the marble floor sent shivers up my spine as I made my way to the kitchen.As I rummaged through the refrigerator, searching for a late-night snack, a sudden movement caught the corner of my eye. Startled, I turned around, only to find myself face to face with Niccolo. His presence sent a jolt through me, and I quickly pulled the tank top down, attempting to cover myself."What the hell, Ria? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Niccolo's voice was laced with annoyance, but I could see a glimmer of something else in his eyes.I narrowed my gaze at him, my own frustration mixing with the undeniable attraction that pulsed between us. "You should learn to knock, Niccolo. This is my temporary place to stay, remember?"He scoffed,
ILARIAAs I hung up the phone, a sense of uneasiness washed over me. Lucy seemed distant during our conversation. I know I'm not totally being honest with Lucy, but I don't know how to tell her that I kind of joined hands with the guy that I was supposed to spy on?Okay, that sounds awful. What if she thinks I'm betraying her? Or worse, I'm scamming her for money or something? I hope that Niccolo finds something about the accident she had so that I can give her an update.Speaking of Niccolo, I haven't seen him since the day we had the agreement. It's just been 4 days though, not that I'm counting.He also sent a doctor for me that day. The audacity of him. First he sends bodyguards, then he sends a doctor too. Who does he think he is?But he did say that it was a misunderstanding though, but who cares? Not me. And true to his words, I didn't see that giant bodyguard again.Ohhh and not to mention the privileges he mentioned. I'm enjoying my life to it's fullest right now. I now get w
LUCYIt feels hot in here, wherever I was. My eyes felt heavy as I tried to open them. I squinted my eyes and blinked slowly a few times before opening them again. When I tried to stir, I couldn't move my body. Confused, I looked down and found myself entangled with Alex. Last night's memory zapped into my brain, making me flush like a tomato.I'm only in my bra and Alex is in his boxers. His hands were wrapped around me, with his head buried between my breasts and our legs tangled inside the sheets. His thigh is directly in contact with my lower region, making it pulse with life.A smile tugged my lips as I took in our position. I have never cuddled with anyone intimately before but I'm loving this. Sure, it's not as comfortable as cuddling with my pillows, but I can't deny the fact that I just had one of my best sleeps.Gently untangling myself, I slipped out of bed and reached for my oversized T-shirt. I slipped it over my head and wore my panties before padding silently across the
LUCY''Don't go'' I whispered, looking at Alex in the eye, so that he knows I'm serious. ''I don't want you to go. Spend the night with me.''He clenched his jaw and cupped the back of my neck, bringing his face close to mine. ''You look tired, Tesoro. You need rest.''I tiptoed, fisting his shirt on both sides and brushed my lips against his. He sucked his breath when I dragged my lips along with his jaw. His grip tightened on my neck as I licked the spot under his ear.He smells musky mixed with sweat and it turned me on even more. I brought my lips to his ear and whispered ''I'm not tired enough, are you?''He pulled me back by my neck and gripped my waist with his other hand. His lust-filled eyes bore into mine, making me shudder in anticipation.''Never for you'' he muttered and slammed his lips against mine.I staggered back at the rough contact but melted in when he nudged his tongue against mine. I let him explore every corner of my mouth while he backed me against the wall.H