GOT HOOKED BY A GODDES

Chapter one- Unexpected Rendenvous

(Gruants) I ran all the way from work into an expensive night qishan club in my luxurious black one breast business suit with a turkey neck; I've been held back in the office since the news interview, that was until I checked my phone and noted the time- 11:48pm, Immediately my friends' invite to celebrate in all qishan flashed before me. Gripping my chest tight my eyes scanned for any sight of my friends, this hasn't been my first time ghosting and I wouldn't want it to be the sixth, finally spotting them at a corner a smile came up to my face after which I ran to them, collapsing on the empty seat opposite them. Taking in a very large amount of air to catch my breath as I had ran all the way from watch tower to mandy street- the other side street- 25 blocks away from my company. the words barely made it out.

'Guys- guys- guys- I---I made it. I made it', The words found life in between gaps of air. Pulling my sweaty face up I was greeted with glares- God they were pissed.

'Liam! What kept you?!', Cecil- the cute young boy whom had beautiful marigold blonde hair that was so very smooth and shiny from eye sight, perfectly carved from a centers and even formed an 'M' in front of his left forehead. His green butter crystal trying to pierce me apart as it dealt a great heavy weight of anger.

'Yea we've been waiting for 9 hours!', Rhsan added as his raven black eyes alike like charcoal emitted a cool atmosphere to the bright light that never really left his eyes, it was like the night sky and moon combined as the light most times twinkled reminding if the stars Upon all these his anger was still very vivid as his long black hair like the night itself tried to cover the eyes that felt like it wanted to send me straight to hell.

They all let out their frustrations on me which suddenly made me very sick and anxious; the feeling of unwavering nausea watched me as slowly a sense of guilt flooded me. I bowed my head, defeated in shame.

'I'm- I'm so sorry- I- I just got caught up in the office. A lot of thing has been on my mind and the interview Spain- Not so good'

'Well you should have told us instead of leaving us in the dark', A powerful built teen boy of 17 whom had this strange eerie hell bonding aura said as his eyes matched the deathen horror of RIP black merging with the cold features of a grave as his whole structure matched up to his hell demeanor. I tried to speak for myself as it really wasn't my fault; the press and company had kept me for so long but I did eventually think I'd make it.

'It's not really my fault I actually believed I'd make it in time'

None looked at me as they turned to themselves to stare at each other, a pain of guilt pinched my heart but there was really nothing I could do, falling back to the comfy soft seat a sigh released from me.

'Fine. But since you wasted our time you have to waste a bit of yours'

I hadn't realized what they were planning as a wash of happiness came on me, that was until my eyes caught cecil stretching taking a bottle of wine that was half filled, and a stained wine glass. In horror I watched as he bottom filled it then ushered it to me. I couldn't take it as my body froze in the strong scent of alcohol that filled my nose and the environment.

'Guys you know I can't'

'We know, but this is what you get for keeping us and it's not even half filled' Cecil said stretching the wine closer but I resisted.

'Come on, DRINK The WINE!', Rhsan yelled out catching their fancy as they smirked.

'DRINK THE WINE! DRINK THE WINE!!DRINK THE WINE!!!'

They yelled in a chant catching the attention of close people nearby, those who heard them all turned to us making me not only sweaty but also anxious. The louder the chant got the more Cecil pushed the glass to me but with so many eyes the insecurities that bubbled increased so not wanting it to succeed I with shaking hands took the glass and chucked down the wine. For a sec I was totally normal but then slowly my eye lids felt heavy, my body numb, I started getting dizzy and all together my brain responded to it as I felt it lightly shut down as I fell with a strong thud, everything escaping my reality within mins I lost conscious.

Waking up again I felt the comfy softness of my bed, through the bright warm sun light I knew it was morning yet, Dad hadn't even walked in to wake me, perhaps the guys told him of the incident and he just wanted me to rest. Rolling on the bed it's smooth wonderful so very soft silky bed covers caressed my skin and it felt so very nice as I tried to dive deeper into my sleep. SLAP!!! I jogged up from sleep as the hit not only stroke in a wavering heart escaping bound but a scare filled horror as it almost choked me. Staring around it came to notice I wasn't at home as a pair of angry tangerine orange eyes glared at me. From the covers I noted she was- was- was- was naked! It made me blazer red as my face cut on fire, only then did I notice that I too was stack naked so I tried to cover up but she had taken all the bedsheets, the embarrassment and shock gave me a mixture of untold feeling as my blossom warm early morning sun complexion got super red like a tomato. The girl I could tell must have had her impression as my head hung down not able to stare up, the only other thing I got except from her eyes was another heavy slap on the face that sent me falling off the bed.

'Pervert! You're hearing from my lawyer'

The door shut close as her voice of symphony rang out a kind of sofa note.

'I'm sorry', the only words that formed after her presence.

On the ground with a blurted red cheek that hurt so badly my eyes spotted clothes and unfamiliar items. I sorted it out and possibly denounced that the other half was the girl's. An odd wallet caught me so I picked it up only to open for an ID card to fall out, laying lifeless on the floor the first thing it held cut my mouth- Sussie Queency, A web reporter and prestigious writer.

'Hmm- Never heard of her'

'Liam?'

The door burst open after Cecil's cute immature tiny voice.

'Oh thank God you're here and- uh- um-eh-'

His eyes went off and out the door- A reminder that I was still pretty much naked, so I scrambled for my clothes.

'Um- Cecil is anything the matter'

Then Rhsan and Justin came in cutting us off

'Liam where did you head to yesterday night? Why did you leave your room and How on jesus did you get here?', A stern Rhsan asked clearly annoyed.

'We've been searching for you since last night ever since the polar break', Justin included clearly affected too.

'Polar break? I couldn't have done that'

'Oh you did, you were totally wild last night it was EPIC', Cecil who never seemed tired said so foundly half breaking into a dance.

'Yes about that- Your dad called, he said something about a meeting'

A meeting! Heat beats flushed like heavy currents beating the stubborn water rocks. The meeting dad had told me about rang out so loudly- AND I'M GONNA BE LATE. Dad is going to kill me.

Making fast to head out I stumbled crashing to the ground.

'The meeting's gonna start anytime soon and I'm not ready. Where are my clothes? Where is my phone? I haven't showered', scratching my hair to a mess I was so scattered. This was the worst possible time for dad to remind of my meeting.

'Gosh I'm never gonna be done on time'

'Don't worry we'll help u', caring Cecil intruded with a smile. It gave me a bit of hope but at a point I started remembering how dad had told/explained how important it was for the company, and I would really love to make my dad happy. I wanted to be just like him. He had never lacked potential and always cared for I and mom. He is the most hardworking person I know- forever will be.

'Liam!'

My conscience came back to reality hearing their voice

'Are you on board?'

'On board- with what?'

'We're going to fill in for you incase if you can't make it, makes up for our mistake'

A response was about to spill when Cecil yelled out

'Just 15 mins left'

Without much thought I sped into the bathroom, they took it as a yes and left, hitting the door behind.

Getting into the bathroom I turned on the tap water which overflowed in a matter of secs, taking a soap off the cabinet I jumped into the tub and frantically scrapped off my skin. I had to be fast as this meeting was one of dad's famous. God, once I get home I'm taking a real shower. Jumping out of the tub, grabbing a towel, rushing out, putting on my clothes I saw Cecil had dropped my phone on the bed. Picking it up with the other items such as the odd wallet and my wallets I dashed out the club. Getting out I noted the guys had left a taxi for me- or it was probably just my luck, in any case I didn't care, I had a meeting to arrive at. Entering the taxi, shutting the door close I yelled.

'Taxi guy forehead straight'

My entry had shocked the middle aged man as he stared wide eyed, without question he screamed.

'Liam Brates!'

It wasn't a new thing. The man not saying anything else hit accelerate, taking me up to a zillion miles per min as the wind gushed on my face.

'Zikky street watch tower- hurry'

The man obeyed and seemed to have stepped on the gear peddle; the street I was heading for was a 2 hours ride so of course I wouldn't make it before the meeting started, it gave me time to think of possible excuses to give dad as the time that went gave me a sort of phobia attack cause I know no matter what he'd still be very unpleasant if I didn't come on time- worse, didn't show. The rate of his punishment weighed on me as the feeling of the hard slap I would possibly receive blew on my cheek, cutting out oxygen from me as for a min I lost knowledge of how to breath. All I could do was seat back and pray for heaven to interfere.

That height fearing watch tower caught my eyes, washing on a hopeful sign back into me, I had to get off here as the taxi guy couldn't continue, so tipping him I got off the car. With the amount of energy I had refunded my legs sprang to life, taking me meters, I still had to get to MC-BMC- without any form of rides. The blocks I ran from watch tower must had been whole street- twice, as the company wasn't only on the other side after a bridge construction but also 16-20 blocks away. Yet taking up everything I ran for life, cause I know my fate if I failed to arrive on time. All the while I loved the view; the people, the animals, the trees and most importantly, the boundless sea the bridge mounted. It was my favorite and just like my dad the reason I loved following the hardest rail path to get to the company; there was this time of joy that came with not only running but also the strong wind that beat my face and hair, proving to be wild and discontent, trying to push me off. Getting that feeling fills me as it makes my heart skip, race and jump; my eyes, shine, twinkle and sparkle; my legs alive and free. The whole enthusiasm had made me not to recognize the MC logo of my company, as I drew nearer I got faster, knowing that it would all end and I could rest. Bursting into the company all eyes were on me, I thought the meeting might have possibly started as the eyes were- hustle. Taking the elevator I escalated all the way up to the 25th floor- the meeting room.

'I AM HERE!!', uff- my ACHING body fell flat on the ground as breathing got hard and heavy, everybody turned to stare at me- Justin, Rhsan, Cecil, and no unfamiliar faces or dad- God damn I made it. Dragging myself up with unsteady moments I made it to the nice comfy Senate seats that were huge and puffy swivel chairs. Still breathing hard I inquired.

'Where are they?'

'They haven't arrived yet, for your dad-'

'You probably knocked him off while coming up'

Justin completed Cecil's statement with a sarcasm tone.

'I just ran a whole navy to get here', the words made it's way out as my dreading wholesome of a man pounded on itself. After a while the elevator door opened with a dingy, I was still on edge but couldn't find the strength to stand so I just sulked there.

'Who is on my seat?', A sound as deep and commanding as thunder bellowed, not as heavyweighted as the element, which stroke a heated passion in his words, making it clear as crystal. Acting on impulse my legs took itself down, making me stand.

'Liam?', the voice was now very tender yet it still held the thriving richness and deep command of thunder.

'Where were you? I called all night but you didn't pick up, that was until morning when Cecil picked up the phone after like a billion missed calls', slowly the voice still in it's full richness shared an emotion of worry and nag. That was what made me to turn and see my dare father- the owner of MC-BMC, my one and only role model. Like always he stood tall, confident in his doing as he took a perfect sculpture of the Greek gods who in history wouldn't let anyone defile them. My dad was just alike; his perfect muscle Male features up to today still makes him a prey to singles- males and females, with a matching height of 8 feets that tried to tower any human and resemblance of beauty devils his dark mind night black could not only control but also swoop them off their feets. The man was gift's god to men, and one day I would like to exactly what he is.

'Sorry dad I was-----', it went blank. I couldn't tell my dad what I had done, and I obviously can't lie. Stuck I tried to shake out anything when he said.

'No, save it. I'm just glad you were here before the guests'

He walked away; I slumped on the seat, that was when another ding came- God can't these people just let me rest.

The elevator opened, a butler exhorting 2 elderlies to empty seats, dad sat at the end across so I believed they were the people I was meant to meet. With my friends being exhorted out I stood to get the meeting all warmed up.

'Good Morning Mr and Mrs Crosswire we're here to discuss on a very important matter, A matter that deals with the fate of our companies becoming allies; As it will not only be beneficial for both sides but will also be the thread that would hold us as friends. Now, with the signed contract I want to make an appeal for and of equal percentage split of 50/50. Anything less than should be said now in the conference'

There was silence as my skills in the business world rolled off, the aged couple stared at me then turned to themselves.

'Yes of course. Our mining company- Ground Assault have pledged and will pleasure working with MC-BMC', the man said in his sulked skin.

'Great then we have a deal', just as I was about to end the meeting with a hand shake as dad hadn't said anything or even paid attention the lady stopped our hand shake.

'Darling the main contractor hasn't arrived and you want to end the meeting'

Main contractor- They weren't the ones who had it, Then- who was.

Time stopped as nobody moved; the elevator doors opened, just like a movie star a young beautiful girl entered. Her smooth radiant skin like the sun gave out warmth to the room, average height got up the atmosphere, Bright polished golden wavy hair flowed around like a goddess, thin tiny slim structure, my eyes couldn't leave her and eventually our eyes crossed paths as the bright golden brightest retorted to her eyes as it gave out a tangerine orange color I also saw her bright glossy rose pink lips. She applied little to no make up and it showed off her natural beauty. As the girl came closer it became clear why her face and body looked familiar, but before I could conclude MY investigation her face turned animationless; all the colors draining from it. She froze making me stiffen up.

'YOU!!!', the words barely made it out through her caged teeth, anger and hate flowing right through as her yellow warm skin transfigured into hot fire red.

Everywhere got real tense as all stared.

'Grandpa! I don't want to work with them anymore', she threw a tantrum

'Uh- why Darling is something wrong?'

For a sec I felt my soul leave my body; was she going to tell them what happened, Dad is going to kill me. Holding my heart that was about to explode I prayed she wouldn't.

'No'

Relief washed me

'Then why don't you-'

'I JUST DON'T'

'But honey we've already signed the contract', the old lady whom was probably her grandmother said in a quite tone that sounded worried and unsure.

'Besides they are our contractors'

'WHAT!!!', the scream came from both of us as the old lady completed her statement. We stared in so much shock the elders noticed it.

'Is there something wrong?'

'Grandpa I can't work with him'

'Why not?', Now my father took the lead. Just the little he said the atmosphere had a change, getting colder by the sec, as not only his calm cool collected floated on the air but also his demanding demeanor. Only his voice made me jump, he might had been my dad but he can be cruel when it comes to punishing me and knowing what I did tension built up. I know the girl won't keep it forever so eventually I'm going to get toasted. She was my only hope of survival, I just wish she wouldn't spill the tea.

My dad's eyes were still on her, but whenever his eyes turned to mine I broke sweats. Like a gentleman he stood up, his body stood straight like a god as his structure portrayed power.

'I won't repeat myself. You should know the lost your in if you lose the contract, your company- Ground Assault would have to give 50% collateral for one wasting precious time and two destroying an already signed deal. I believe you know what comes to that for you'

Once again that eerie coldness flowed in, staring up I saw their expressions- nothing but shock and surprise. The girl gave me a side eye stink eye, yet deep inside she couldn't debate with my dad so she didn't do anything, A form of agreement for my dad in silence.

'Sussie dare, we can't lose 50% budget, please just accept and work with him'

From her expression she was struggling, I felt so guilty; what had I done, what SHOULD I do. I couldn't do anything else I get in trouble so I watched it unfold. Finally she agreed.

'Fine I'll work with him'

The old couples cheered

'Tomorrow you'll come back for a meet- up with him'

'They are not meeting up here, Tomorrow you'll see in a restaurant downtown', my dad cut in like a technical razor throwing the oldies off. They seemed to have agreed as they got ready to go

'Oh and one more thing'

The girl turned to me slowly advancing, I released a gasp as suddenly she was a bit too close to me, for untold reasons my heart raced like crazy then with full force she slapped me bringing me back to reality. With a hard glare she stepped on me with her long piercing heels, leaving a red swollen bruise and aching toe as she matched out with her family. God I deserved this I couldn't even curse cause I knew it was my fault. What hurt was dad didn't even stick up for me.

'Dad?'

'What- I did what I had to do, the girl's your problem. Next time be more vigilant'

He walked away; I sulked on the chair; the door opened; My friends entered. I had taken off my footwear revealing the fractured foot and hurt toe, from their distance Cecil was the one who got out the voice to ask

'Liam what happened to you?', his voice was hysterical as it came in a horrific scream.

'A girl stepped on him', dad's cold voice answered Cecil whom ran to me.

'You'll be fine, just some ice and you're good to go'

Dad's voice came comforting me as it slowly rang a soft tender.

'How could a girl have stepped on you- and you did nothing!', Justin asked in a rather angry voice filled of scarsim, few meters away from us, leaning on the enlarged white slope table.

'I- I was trying to-', the voice in me disappeared. I- couldn't find something convincing.

'I couldn't really do anything, besides I didn't know she was going to step on me'

'And the swollen red mark on your cheek'

'Oh, she also slapped me'

The answer kept them quite as it went cold. Then Justin came up with a remark that got everyone talking as Cecil tended to me.

'Wow. Just- wow, well you have always been an easy target'

'Uh?', that tupled me over

'What do you mean?'

Once again that foamy silence snuck in, the atmosphere felt heavy yet none talked, from eye to eye I moved my question to all the faces in the room yet no one budged.

'Ok can you guys stop the ghosting? What does he mean?'

'Oh it's just- you're- a bit- gullible'

'Gu- Gullible?', Rhsan's answer sent home, what do they mean?

'Liam, it's not a say it's a fact, you're just too easily deceived and too nice', now it was Cecil who was talking. He was normally the nice one so the words that flowed stung me.

'Ok guys I'm not gullible, I just see the best in life and want everyone else to too'

'Yeah, right, that's why last week you let a con-man trick you into giving out a million dollars because of kitten's day palooza'

'In my defense I actually thought he was saying the truth since that day was cute kittens day'

'There's no day like cute kittens day liam, it's all a scam'

'You're just too nice blinded to notice that, it makes people trick you and hurt you the more'

'Yes, you are a soft spot'

The guys words hit me like a train, especially Rhsan and Justin. If people thought I was gullible and could be easily deceived then why do they come to me for favors, Also too nice- there's no such thing, only not being nice enough, and I only help those who truly needs it- No. The conversation took an upside down turn, I wasn't sure how to feel either as the only thing that went on in my head was being- Too nice.