6 - What is more scarier than sleeping in his house?

As soon as Sylvester left the spa, he drove straight to his office, giving the car key to his driver. He was tired of driving. It wasn’t something he loved but in terms of privacy, he did so himself. Josephine comprehended his fragrance a few meters away and knew Sly was around. She composed herself around her desk, touching up a little on her already perfect make-up. Josephine was pretty to the eyes. She stood 6ft, 4 inches tall doll-like eyes. She could attract a man's attention without putting in much effort.

“Mr. Norman, I have to deliver the documents to our new companies before 3pm,” she carefully laid out, not intending to incur his wrath. She knew his emotions flip when he was stressed.

“I know, and that’s why I am here. Pick them from my desk in the next twenty minutes,” he said, heading to his office without giving her another glance. Josephine was disappointed. It wasn’t as if she expected anything else but she only wished that Sly would admire her and give her even a little attention.

She could not understand how he turned a blind eye to all the efforts she put in to impress him. She has remained single for the past three years because of her boss. Since she started working for him, she broke up with her boyfriend with the hope that one day, her boss will notice her. She also turned down every guy who came her way. She was completely obsessed with her him.

However, she was among the few people who knew about his past and thought he needed time to move on. All information about the incident five years ago had been brushed under the carpet. Even the press had strangely erased every information concerning it in their database, obviously at Sly's request or threat. Money carried power and Sly used every bit of it.

As soon as Sly began to scrutinize the documents on his desk, he remembered he hadn’t taken Monica’s number. He didn’t even remember seeing the girl with a phone. Instantly, he ordered her an iPhone, the same model as his before returning to work. He managed to sign two documents before his phone rang. A smirk climbed on to his countenance when he saw James' face on the screen.

“Hey, are you gonna make it? These models are so pretty. I can arrange two for you,” James said froa the other end as soon as the call connected. Just yesterday, this sounded fun and Sly would have agreed and started making his way to the club but today, something changed.

“No, I need to rest tonight,” he responded wryly.

James knowing his friend, couldn't buy that crap. Something was amiss. “Hey, that’s strange. What happened?”

“I got married today, James,” Sly said truthfully.

“You fucken what? You mean she agreed just like that?"

“No she didn’t, but I had my way.”

“You forced her didn't you?” James snarled from his end. Just like Sly, he had no intention of getting married but he couldn't help feeling angry if Sly actually forced a woman to marry him for his gain.

“Not really. She did it to save her family’s business, but it’s just a contract for one year,” Sly smirked.

Somehow, James was excited at the contract but of Sly's marriage. He couldn't help the loneliness he would feel if Sly was genuinely married. “Marriage contract, then let’s have some fun,” James insisted.

“No, I have to pick her from the spa in an hour.”

“Since when did you become a responsible husband?” Before Sly could answer, Josephine walked in.

“I will call you later,” Sly hung up without waiting for James's response. 

He handed two of the files to Josephine.

“You can check these, while I sign the rest.” Josephine took the files and sat across him. Being his secretary for three years, she has spent times like this with him but this time, something wasn’t right. 

Josephine’s dress was V-shaped from the top, leaving parts of her cleavage exposed. Sly finished working on the remaining files and lifted his head to meet the seductive sight in front of him but his eyes moved just as quickly as it caught the sight.

“These are the remaining files. You can send them now,” emphasized, handing over the third folder to her. Josephine knew she was being dismissed and reluctantly left his office flushed. What can she do to just get his attention? Perhaps, she has to work harder.

Sly left the office as soon as he was done. It confused Josephine. Her boss usually stayed long in the office and even though he didn’t give her the attention she wanted; she enjoyed his presence. She felt an emptiness when he left, his scent lingering on.

***************

Monica took her time to admire the enormous saloon. There were both men and women getting make-overs. She didn’t have to be told that everyone there was upper class. From their appearance and pasture, nothing was hidden. Either way, the workers matched the clients. Their work was swift and professional. They knew what to do without being told. Every client had at least two attendants but Monica seemed to have four.  She guessed they wanted to finish before Sly arrived. No need to ask why. Even she did not want to incur his wrath the second time.

The more, the faster the speed. The internals was of saloon was plain white, blending into the walls but as soon as a client was done, a button was pressed, revealing the mirror. Each client left with a satisfied look, leaving Monica guessing how she would look after everything.

Monica waited anxiously, her eyes covered with slices of cucumber, hands trailing around her legs, feet, nails, hands, and arms. Her hair was no exception yet, she could not see what was going on. Some of the things caused little pain and discomfort but she endured. Her worst bit was the tingling pain of her brows being plucked out. Soon, hands retreated from her skin, and the slices of cucumber were taken off her eyes.

Two hands remained in her hair, spraying what seemed like hair spray. 

A click sound was heard, followed by a giant mirror in front of her. Monica gawked in disbelief. She looked and felt like a movie star. A familiar fragrance engulfed her and from the Mirror, she caught sight of Sly, admiration in his eyes but when she swirled around from the swivel chair, his expression had changed to neutral. 

Monica thought that perhaps, she didn't read his expression well. She felt confident with her looks but why was it difficult for Sly to compliment her? But wait a minute, why does she want his compliment anyway? This is just a contract, she reminded herself.

Her long straight hair had been trimmed and curled, giving her a diva look. Her eyebrows, formerly bushy and straight, are now smoothed and arched. Her already long lashes had a tinge of darkness from the mascara, her new image contrast to her dress, which hung oddly on her slim frame.

“Shall we?” Sly enquired, his hand extended. She remembered the rule vividly and did not refuse this or get nervous.

“Yes we shall,” she hummed, extending her hand to meet his. An unfamiliar spark erupted in her when their bodies collided but she didn’t have the words to explain. She wanted to ask how much he was going to pay for her makeover but she didn’t want to receive another membership kind of response and angled to the door beside him. She stepped out to meet the sun setting, and a yawn escaped her.

“The day isn’t over but you are already tired. Let’s go home. We shall continue tomorrow,” Sly hinted.

Monica twitched. What was he planning this time around? That wasn’t what worried her most. For the first time, she was going to sleep in a man’s house, away from her family. There was nothing more scarier to her than that.