chapter 7

A M A R A

"Everyone, this is Amara. She's new to the team," Lucian introduced me.

I smiled smugly. They all looked extremely unimpressed. "I'm a Hale," I informed them.

Multiple gasps filled the air. A few girls started whispering. How welcoming.

I walked up to the groups of people and shook their hands. They were hesitant at first, but warmed up to me after a while. Most of them were kind, and a few just did not want to talk.

I saw the same ginger from his office glaring at me. She whispered something to her friend beside her and they snickered. It seemed they were still acting like high schoolers.

I decided to walk over to them and introduce myself, "My name is Amara, nice to meet you."

They gave each other side glances and acted like I was a literal piece of shit, "I don't think we asked who you were, Amy."

Amy? Really? "That's cute. The next time you try to make fun of me, make sure you have nothing in your teeth."

"Bitch!" She yelped, her head covering her teeth. "Let's go Kelsey."

They stormed out of the room. I waved as they exited. When I turned around, I was greeted by Gabe leaning his arm against the wall next to us.

"So, what do you think?" He asked.

I took a step back before responding, "It's alright. Some of these girls need an attitude check. The ginger called me Amy."

He let out a laugh. "That's Rachel. She's like that sometimes. I don't know why she hates you so much already though. You've been here for like five minutes."

"I caught her and Mr. Moretti sucking each other's faces off," I confessed.

He gave me a knowing look before responding, "I don't know how he puts up with her. I'm surprised he hasn't killed her off yet. She doesn't really do anything anyways."

Gabe and I talked for a while. He was really cool and I could see us becoming friends, but I noticed Lucian glaring at us out of the corner of my eye.

L U C I A N

1

What did Gabe think he was doing? Flirting? With my assistant? He knew about the rules, but I guess he was never one to follow them anyway.

I glared at them. Was she flirting back? I could feel myself heating up, so I left. I didn't want to see it anymore. I hated when people broke the rules.

I got in my Mercedes and drove off without her. She could find another ride back to the apartment since she had already made so many friends.

I couldn't stand the fact that she talked to other men. I had never thought that way about anyone before, but she drove me insane, and I hated that too.

When I arrived at home, Sandra gave me a confused look, and I lied and told her that Amara was going to get a ride home from Gabe.

I knew she could take care of herself, but the whole time I was home, I wondered if she was okay. Her stupid pretty face was distracting me from my real job. I needed to get her out of my head.

A M A R A

2 H O U R S L A T E R

Where the hell was he? I had been looking for Lucian for almost 20 minutes now. I called him multiple times and they all went straight to voicemail.

I was walking around the building when I ran into a short woman. "Oh my god I'm sorry. I'm really distracted right now."

"Don't worry about it! I'm Halle. Are you new here?" She asked cheerily.

"Was it that obvious? I'm Amara," I said, reaching my hand out.

She laughed and took it, "What are you doing all the way back here?"

"I'm trying to find Mr. Moretti. I'm his personal assistant and he was supposed to be my ride home."

She looked confused, "Mr. Moretti? He left over an hour and a half ago."

My face sunk and I felt angry. "What?" I could feel myself heating up. "Half an hour ago?"

She nodded, "I'm sure someone here would be willing to take you home." She checked her watch. "I've got to go. It was nice meeting you, Amara. I hope to see you more often."

I stood there speechless. Why the fuck would he leave me here? Did he forget about me? I was angry, but I felt really fucking hurt too.

Being left behind was something I was too used to, and that feeling sucked.

I put on my facade and walked back out to the group. I didn't want their help. I would embarrass myself by asking for a ride or saying my own boss left me by myself.

I waved them all goodbye and walked outside of the building. The maps app on my phone showed that there was a bus station about two miles from here. It looked like I would be taking a walk.

I trudged along the road, my feet dragging along with me. The sun was starting to set and I was getting real tired. Eventually, I was able to see the bus stop in the distance. I sighed in relief at the sight of it.

When I arrived, I sat on the cold, metal bench with my arms crossed. Even though I was wearing a flannel and sweatpants, I was starting to get cold. The wind was blowing hard. I pulled out my phone again and checked to see when the next bus was coming. It looked like I was going to be stuck here for another 45 minutes.

A strike of thunder sounded around me, and raindrops started falling. In this moment, I let the tears fall. Cupping my hands on my face, I cried. For the first time in a long fucking time, I cried.

L U C I A N

She wasn't back yet? It had been almost three hours.

I was slowly pacing in the front hallway. Did no one give her a ride? Did she even ask? Could something have happened to her?

I decided to call Gabe.

"What's up boss man? You're calling late," he stated, pointing out the obvious.

"Have you seen Amar- Miss Hale? She's not here," I asked, trying not to seem like I cared.

"Um- No. I thought she left with you, Lucian. Why wouldn't she leave with you?" He asked, confused.

Fuck. "I left without telling her," I admitted.

"That's a dick move, man. I can ask around but it looks like everyone but her is still here."

"Ok. Let me know wha-" The sound of a door opening filled my ears. Immediately, I hung up the phone.

She was soaking wet. The once grey sweatpants she was wearing turned dark while the sleeves of her flannel clung onto her arms. Her mascara dripped down her cheeks, reminding me of the night we first met. She looked broken.

+

"Amara I-" I started.

She stormed past me. "Don't."

Sandra entered the room with an extremely disappointed look on her face. "With all do respect sir, she deserved better than that." Shaking her head, she exited the corridor.

I sighed. Fuck.