Ruby's Secret

CHAPTER- 7

" No one knows what you have been through or what your pretty little eyes have seen, but I can reassure you ~ whatever you have conquered, it shines through your mind."

~ Nikki Rowe.

RUBY'S P.O.V

Coming out of the kitchen, I enter the main hall where a few new faces also join us. All were mingling around with a glass of wine. The females were gossiping and showing off their diamonds where as male were busy at the bar discussing business.

I sigh, shaking my head as everyone was talking to one another with something benefiting them.

I scanned the ballroom for Marcus and Cassy, when I noticed a group of women giggling and giving a side glance at the left corner.

My eyes took their line as I saw Marcus and Cassy standing with two other male, younger than them which means one of them is their famous son.

I tried to peek, if I can see him but Cassy and Marcus figure are hiding his face. I can only see his side features and for that I can impressively say, he will be a handsome man.

Fair complexion, sharp jaws and slightly curled hair falling in his forehead and straight nose. He was wearing a black tux with a silver grey watch. He was frowning listening to the other guy whom I can clearly see.

Wait! I have seen him somewhere. I couldn't figure out where.

Trying to remember him, my mind suddenly went back to today's morning. I hate that guy. He was very arrogant and didn't know how to apologise. He regarded himself so highly, as if he was someone very important. Actually it was all his fault. Yes, that chauvinistic bastard.

I was walking to the coffee shop, when I tripped on my shoes and thanked my luck and to that person who saved me but it all went down the drain when I saw who the person was.

I thought I hit the wall, his chest was hard. His warm arms around my waist gave me a cocooned feeling. The way he held me, I felt protected. I devoured the moment and inhaled his pure male scent, a combination of fresh cologne, musk and coffee. I tried to shift my head when it hit his face, making him curse.

That made me look up and I was starstruck, looking at him from this close. He was a very attractive man, tall, lean. His eyes were blue, the deep ocean in which I was drowning and a fear erupted in my heart. But then he opened his mouth and yesterday's event came back ruining my fangirl moment.

The first time I saw him his eyes captivated me, he made me remember my home. He gave me a warm feeling. For a moment, I too fell for his look and thought he was a gentleman but he turned out to be a big ass.

The incident he pulled in front of several people, I was waiting for him to apologise but he did the exact opposite, giving me his cards.

My mood immediately turned sour. I shook my head forgetting about him as I tried to smile and walked towards Marcus as I had to inform him that the Greece partner was here.

I was feeling a bit awkward going to the family reunion so I decided to call Marcus. But Cassy also turned around with Marcus as they both waved their hand asking me to come.

Nervously, I started to walk and stood in front of Cassy who was smiling non-stop. Well motherly love was always like this. Their happiness, watching their children becoming a successful person means a world.

"Ruby met my son, Nikolas." She spoke excitedly as took my wrist making me stand beside her.

With a nervous smile still on my face, I looked away from her and stared straight directly at her son.

My legs started shaking as I took a step back with my eyes popping out of the socket. I can feel my breath hitch as he also gave me a shocking look.

"You." The word escaped from my mouth even though I wanted to gulp it down.

"Shit." He cursed under his breath.

Marcus and Cassandra frown as they look at our shocked faces. It was the other guy whom I was trying to recognize. "The coffee woman?" He spoke, squeezing his eyes as he rubbed his chin.

"What?" Marcus and Cassandra both said at the same time.

"We have met already. Apparently, your son is crazy about the espresso she makes." The other guy spoke, wiggling his eyebrow at that arrogant man.

"Really?" Marcus surprisingly asked.

Cassandra playfully glared at me. "So you also made my son head over heels for you."

I was taken aback from her comment. "No. No, Cassy." I hurriedly shook my head denying her.

"Never mom." That arrogant man spoke with fire in his eyes.

Throwing a glare at him, I scowled, twisting my mouth to the left side.

"Isn't it good, baby, that they already know each other. It will be less awkward for both of them to work together." Marcus piped discussing it with Cassandra.

"Work together?" He raised his eyebrows frowning at his parents.

"Yes. Meet your secretary, right hand, your partner in crime." Cassandra smile holding me from my shoulder. "She's the best you could have ever asked for. Not only did she take care of the office but also our home." Cassandra beamed, making me nervously chew my bottom lips.

"This is also done by her. Isn't she great?" Marcus spoke flatteringly as I smiled at him.

"No doubt she is." The arrogant guy murmured, giving me a cunning smile which made my stomach drop.

"Then I should visit the office more often, I will be getting free latte made by one and only the famous barista who made our cold hearted Nick fan of her's." Theo winked at the arrogant man, making his eyes twisted in irritation.

"Marcus, come, we should meet everyone." Cassandra tugged Marcus hand leaving us three alone when the other guy who was fussing about my coffee spoke. "Nice to meet you, I am Theodore." He extended his hand for me to shake.

I gave him a polite smile while taking his hand. "It's my pleasure sir."

"No sir please. It makes me feel old." He teased me. "You can call me Theo."

I nodded as he took his leave leaving me all alone with this wild creature who was continuously glaring at me as if he would eat me alive.

"Ruby huh?" He finally spoke breaking the silence which can easily cut with the edge of a paper

I find his tone mocking the way he was speaking to me. "I think your name should be Emerald. That would suit you more."

"What?" I confusedly asked but he ignored me.

"So now tell me Ms. Ruby, from when are you working with my father and what magic did you spell on my parents that they are crazy about you?"

"Excuse me?" I felt offended the way he taunted me. "I am not a witch and you should ask your parents why they are crazy about me." I spat, crossing my arms around my chest.

"Is this a way you should talk to your boss? Where's your manners?" He teased with a sly smile.

"Look who is talking about manners?" I faked out a smile. "Do you even know the spelling of manners?"

"Be careful, Ms. Ruby, I would have to fire you if you won't change your attitude."

"Be my guest then. I will resign on my own. I would prefer to be jobless than working with an arrogant pompous ass like you." I glared at him as he raised his eyebrow in shock.

"Now excuse me, I still have other things to do, then to stand here and fight with a five year old kid."

"Wait." He reached out and caught my hand.

I gasped and instantly pulled my hand away as if his touch burned me.

"Don't leave me."

I froze and stared at him. "Wh...what?" I stuttered.

"I mean don't leave the office." He immediately changed his words. "I have seen how much my parents are fond of you, and if you resign they won't spare me."

"I'm sorry Mr. Pallis, but I don't think I can work with you." I replied with a tight lips.

It felt alien in my mouth. I am calling him Mr. Pallis, the way I used to call Marcus two years ago.

"I won't pressurise you. All you have to do is prepare my coffee, every day. No hassles and no work pressure. I can manage all my work, I don't need a secretary."

"You're kidding me, right?"

"No. I don't kid around." Mr. Pallis replied with a serious face.

Watching his serious face, I chewed my lips and looked at my heel and a laughter bubble inside me making me laugh out loud.

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NIKOLAS PALLIS P.O.V

Her laughter was contagious. My heart thumped as I watched her laughing. She was holding her stomach as she kept slapping her thigh with one hand and with another her hand were holding her glasses.

"Oh my God." She gasped between her laughs. "Look at your face."

"Wh...what's wrong with it." I consciously touched my face asking her.

"What the hell do you think of yourself? How can you think, I will leave the office just because of you? I have worked hard for my career and reached here. So don't ever think you can threaten me."

"What? When did I threaten you?" I asked in confusion.

"I know what you are trying to play. So better watch your mouth Mr. Pallis. My boss or not. If you ever misbehaved with me in any other way I swear, I will rip your throat apart."

I gasped and my eyes widened listening to her. She was something else. I haven't met a girl like her ever. She was sweet and polite but on the other hand she also had a blunt mouth and fire in her eyes.

A smile twisted in my lips which made her annoyed. "Have a nice day and see you at the office Mr. Pallis." She gritted her teeth, with a smile and walked away from me.

"She is something else." I murmured to myself as I watched her interacting with everyone in the ballroom and every single businessman was talking with her with a smile on their face.

"Ruby with emerald eyes."

A unique combination!

Ruby.

Her name tasted different in my lips as I kept smiling watching her movements. I know she can feel my eyes the way she touches her black hair every five minute.

When the party came to an end, I wanted to see her for the last time but to my disappointment, I couldn't find her anywhere.

With a thought of meeting her tomorrow and having the same espresso, I walked out the ballroom with a smile on my face.

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