Chapter Three

(Violet's POV)

The kitchen floor is cold as I lay there, staring at the black phone screen. The phone call rendered me immobile, the shock of the news hitting me like a semi truck. Cold and alone, I knew that the warmth of the house would never return, just like them. 

“Violet!” my mother's voice replies in my mind endlessly. I scream to make it stop, the quiet, my name, everything. As the darkness grows lighter, I gasp when a dull pain throbs in my head. Opening my eyes, I find myself tangled in the sheets and on the floor.

“Another nightmare. How lovely,” I bitterly think to myself. Pushing off the floor, I hobble over to the dresser to get ready. 

“He just has to leave at seven, huh?” I grumply think as I lay out a few outfits on the oversized bed. I slept until it was almost time to leave, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to never deal with him again. 

After settling on a plain shirt and jeans combo, I stumbled down the stairs towards the kitchen for a much needed cup of coffee. “Good morning,” a deep voice cheerfully greets me the moment I round the corner. Startled by the sudden burst in energy, I jolt back and bump into the wall. 

Leo, looking as well put together as ever, clearly suppresses his laughter before extending a to-go cup of steaming coffee. 

“Rough night? Did you dream about me?” he jokingly comments or at least I think it's a joke. 

“More like a rough morning now that I have to deal with you,” I remark while taking the cup and walking towards the waiting car. 

“I thought we agreed to start over, Ms Bennet? Why do you still dislike me?” he questions as we enter the car. The driver pulls away and I turn to see Leo's awaiting expression.

“Just because I agreed, doesn't mean I like you,” I answered coldly. “And it certainly doesn't mean I'm willing to marry you either.”

Something crosses over Leo's face, but is instantly covered up again by his arrogant smirk.  “Well, perhaps you might see me in a better light when at work,” he casually states before turning to the window.

After a thirty minute drive, we finally pulled up in front of the tallest office building I have ever seen. The structure towered over the city in a shining glare of silver and white. Leo exits the car and walks around to open my door. Feeling prickly, I step out and quickly avert my eyes to the waves of well dressed employees. 

Feeling out of place, I wrap my arms around myself and subconsciously step farther from Leo. Noticing my discomfort, he guides me towards the front doors at a quickened pace. 

“It's alright, Ms. Bennet. You don’t have to adhere to the dress code,” Leo reassuringly whispers in my ear. I feel the back of my neck grow warm at the sensation of his breath and force myself to think of something else. 

“Don't act like you know everything,” I snapped. Leo chuckles as he confidently strides ahead of me. 

Taking the elevator to the top floor, the doors open to reveal a wide open space with various couches and tables scattered about. One of the desks is placed beside a set of doors and Leo confidently walks toward it. 

“Where is all the staff?” I question, the echo of our footsteps making the lack of voices eerily noticeable.

“They start work in about an hour. My office is this way,” Leo replies casually, waiting at the door for me to catch up. “Do you like books, Ms. Bennet?”

I arch a brow at the sudden question and soon find out why. The massive room is completely lined with floor to ceiling bookcases. 

“Woah, impressive,” I quietly comment while browsing the nearest shelf. 

“Words I thought you might never say,” he cockily comments while placing his laptop case on the desk. Not intimidated by the overwhelming pressure of his success, I put all my attention on the rows of books before me.

 After some more shuffling sounds radiate from his direction, the room falls completely still and I wonder if he left without me noticing.

“You must be very interested in this category, Vee,” Leo’s deep voice sounds next to my ear. Shocked at the close proximity, I instinctively spin around and press up against the bookcase. The corners of his mouth turn up in an amused smirk as he leans in closer, resting his hands on either side of my head. 

“That's Ms. Bennet to you,” I rebutted strongly. Leo chuckles once more as he tilts his head from side to side. 

“Oh, pardon me. I thought that my future wife might like to be called by her name in this situation,” he whispers as his head slowly lowers.

“Who the hell are you calling your wife?’ I speak through clenched teeth. The warmth of his breath grazes my face as we lock eyes, neither daring to look away. 

“Is there anyone else here?” Leo taunts and at this distance I can see the freckles sprinkled across his face. My gaze drifts from his sharp jaw line to his intense sea blue eyes before I shove his heavy body away.

“I understand. My apologies,” Leo sighs as he puts up his hands, walking towards the lone desk in front of the windows. 

“I highly doubt that,” I snarked, peeling myself off the bookcase before half leaving the room. “I've seen enough. See you back home, Whitlock.”

My face is burning red from shame as I walk across the empty floor. “What in the world is that dude's problem? Should I just run away again?” I rapidly question inside my head. 

The elevator dings and the door opens to reveal a group of three guys. They continue their chatting, until the blonde of the group spots me by the window. 

“Oh, hello,” he greets with mild surprise. The other two take notice and also gain looks of shock. 

“Good morning,” I quickly replied while straightening out my wrinkled t-shirt. The three exchange knowing looks as they approach slightly closer.

“Are you Mr. Whitlock's almost wife?” the blonde male inquires happily. I grit my teeth as this seems to be pleasant news to them. 

“No. I don't have any plans for marriage,” I quickly correct. Making a move to progress towards the elevator, my path is abruptly cut off by a hazel haired man stepping in the way. 

“Oh, well would you rather date a guy like me?” he eagerly inquired, intentions clear as day.

“No. I don't want to date anyone,” I quickly state. I try to go around him, but he firmly grips my wrist, pulling me back. 

“Hey, no need to be so stuck up just because you're engaged to a rich boy,” he scummily comments. I try to rip my hand away as the other two guys look alarmed. 

“Let go!” I shout, kicking him in the shin. The scumbag falls to the ground and glares my way before suddenly going stiff. I turn to see a fuming looking Leo approaching. A firm yet blank expression resting on his face.

“You're fired!” his voice booms across the entire floor, authority lacing every word. The other two men quickly scurry to their designated desks as Leo grabs the scum by his collar.

“I like to think I'm a forgiving man,” Leo growls in the man’s face. “But sometimes people cross lines that make me want to end them. Congratulations, you are one of those people.” Throwing the man into the arms of two massive security guards, Leo stands firm and squints his eyes in disapproval.

“Also, don't bother looking for a job anywhere in this industry. I'm going to see that you are blacklisted from all companies Whitlock Enterprises works with and warn all others of your misconduct,” Leo adds before turning back to me. 

I watch in mild shock as the guards disappear with the man and Leo glances toward me with a worried expression. 

“Are you alright? Did he hurt you?” Leo questions while searching for any wounds.

“No, he just grabbed my arm. I'm fine,” I speak, trying to cover up the shake in my voice. I allow Leo to softly hold my shoulders and guide me back to his office.

Once inside, Leo closes the door and takes a deep breath, his face wearing a look of distraught.  “Why?” he questions, his voice unstable. “Why do you cause so many difficulties?” 

“Is it really my fault you brought me here? Perhaps you should keep a closer eye on who you hire,” I remark, all sugarcoating going out the window. Leo glances at me a moment before he settles behind the desk, a chill hanging in the air.

“I'll have someone drive you home,” he speaks without meeting my eyes. I don't know how to interpret his sudden mood change and just walk out. After reaching the ground floor, the car from before is waiting with an attentive driver.

“Ms. Bennet,” the driver politely addressed. “Mr. Whitlock has asked me to escort you back to the house.” I ball my fists at Leo’s efficient nature before climbing into the car. On the drive back to the house, I ponder what would cause such a change in attitude.

“I bet you don't feel anything,” I grumble in my head. My wrist stings and I look to see the skin growing red. Leo’s furious face flashes in my mind and I smirk. “Well, maybe you feel a little.”

For the first time since this nightmare started, I find myself smiling at the thought of blindsiding Leo by using his tactics against him. “This should be interesting.”