Chapter 13

I rolled out of bed at eight and had to run to catch the way to the company. I can't remember how much I blamed myself for being late after promising myself I would finish the work.

I was doomed and Julie had something to catch me with. Fortunately, it didn't take me long to get ready. I don't do heavy makeup and I didn't change my clothes. Andre's scent was still all over me from the kiss. Something tickled down my belly at the memory.

I liked it.

I refused Alexandre approach while I didn't push Andre; maybe the beer got to my head and talking about my head, it was fuzzy and throbbing. It felt like two opponents fought inside playing with the parts of my brain.

For the whole night… For the whole night what he did keep replaying in my head. I didn't know his friends and I knew how men were stronger than girls. He had money, he was rich and he could do anything in the shadows as long as the money was involved. I couldn't do otherwise… I was scared.

I didn't hate my situation, I didn't regret activating the trap accidentally but I regretted being there when Andre and his gang were present.

"I thought I already gave you your assignments, both of you. Do you think this magazine is successful because of laziness? If the workers were like you, this company wouldn't exist," Julie glowered at especially me because certainly, Louise had an excuse for her absence.

Theoretically speaking, if I needed to finish what she assigned, my work plus her work, I had to pull an all-nighter. I didn't expect the sleep to kick in at dawn. "What is done is done? You will have to work harder from now on. To be fair, you will both work additional time. Who did these files?" she put papers in front of her, expressionless.

I hesitated but the truth must be told. I was the one who proofreads everything so hiding it won't do anything. I had to be brave and assume my responsibilities. If I accepted Louise work on top of mine, I had to be responsible for it.

"I worked my part but I had to leave because my mother is sick. I didn't want to burden anyone with my situation but I felt like Anais would do a great job. I didn't think she was…" Louise glanced at me shortly then bent her head down slightly. "I am sorry. This won't happen again."

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, remaining as professional as possible. "I apologize for my lack of punctuality; I will fix it this morning. I am confident I can finish the rest by the beginning of the afternoon.

I will put the files on your desk if you are present or give them to your assistant if you aren't. I won't escape my responsibility. You are the superior and you know better than me how things work around here."

"Oh! At least, you know your place in the food chain," she laughed and her posture turned more comfortable. Louise, I personally chose you for your position but your assistant showed more brain than you. It's compulsory to inform your superior when you need to leave before the corresponding time. I hope I won't see this again. You can leave now, to your office," I turned to leave but she stopped me.

"Is there anything you would like to add?" I was surprised by the rough side of my voice. I cleared my throat. "I am sorry… I had a rough night."

"I kept you here to tell you, you did a great job and Don't accept others' works. You are big enough to understand that everyone must do his part and being nice won't help you stay long in your position."

She removed her glasses and smiled. "We might have started on the wrong foot but everything can be fixed. You can leave now. I will wait for your work until it's done," she handed me the undone files I left on my desk before leaving the company yesterday.

My heart slammed against my ribcage; I didn't expect her to be this understanding and… Nice. Unlike Louise who has a private office, I shared one with other workers. I put the huge rack of papers and started working.

I couldn't say how much work I did and how much time it passed but I was working fast and my mind finally focused on something getting Andre out of my head. He kissed me… Tenderly and I shared it while dancing with him. My heart fluttered at the thought. I was started by someone putting his hand over my shoulder.

"What are you doing here? I thought you would be waiting for me outside today."

Detective Mark was inside the company, facing me with a questioning look, like blaming me for being late. I suddenly remembered the appointment I had with him today.

"I am sorry, I have so much work to do… I can't help you now. You are on your own," I turned my head proofreading.

I didn't care for what was happening around me until he pulled a chair next to me and grabbed a paper reading.

"What are you doing?"

"I need your eyes and mind and I admit you were right; I was looking at things from the wrong side. If we want to go and do our mission, I will have to give you a hand. Take it as a way to show my appreciation and gratitude."

His lips twitched into a pleasant smile. His blue eyes crystallized under the sun that peeked from the glassy wall. My gaze wandered aimlessly on his body, unsure what I was searching for. He had the same coat and the same hat. Nothing really strange.

"Are you poor?"

"What? You were gauging me for that. I thought you fell for my charms. Such a pity!"

"Why? You said I wasn't your type."

"It's true but love is like a binding. If you loved me, you would work for me and put me in your priorities. I wouldn't have to search for you like today. You will do more to please me and nothing pleases me the best as finding secrets."

"Thank you for helping me and because YOU ARE HELPING ME, I will not speak about what you said just now."

Unlike what I expected, he wasn't of help at all. I revised the papers he worked on so I pushed him aside, telling him to let me do my work. When I finally finished, my head throbbing, my body screaming and my eyes crying, I found the detective gone and a note left on my desk.

Since you have so much work, I won't bother you today but you will have to pay me back Saturday and Sunday.

The clock tickled signalling 2:30 PM. I was already late on what I promised. Julie usually left her office after lunch; it was an everyday routine she did, working with Alexandre. I wonder what they did in that bureau.

Since meeting him, I have never seen him hooking up with anyone. Could it be they were having something I can't describe? After all, he has a nice view of her and she was beautiful, always glowing unlike me. I hit my head hating where my thoughts engaged.

Unexpectedly, Julie was still in her office. She was working intently; she didn't notice me at all. I put the files quietly and turned to leave.

"You can have the afternoon off. It must have been hard doing something that isn't your work. You are her assistant but you have another job to do, right?"

She knew.