Billionaire Stole My Panties

CHAPTER 4.

It was like an episode of the Walking Dead, starring me, the stand-alone zombie. I barely slept last night, it was either I dreamt of or thought of Brandon bursting through the door and dragging me back to his apartment. Joey took me around his apartment, showing me that all the windows and the front door were locked but that wasn't enough to calm my nerves. I felt horrible for keeping Joey up but I'm glad I calmed down enough for him to get some sleep. I manage to sleep for two hours with him beside me but when morning came, so did the nerves. 

I was scared shitless to even leave the apartment this morning. Joey calmed me down with talks of the good old days and step by step he got me to leave the apartment. I can't live in this constant fear of Brandon. I'm questioning the woman I've become. I use to be so strong and fearless and now.....tiniest shadow makes me want to cower and hide. 

I dropped onto my chair, sighing. At least I'm early....by two minutes but it's an improvement. I took a deep breath and forced myself to stop staring at the elevator, expecting Brandon to appear like a dark knight. Forget him, Aubrey. You're no longer living with him—he's not your problem—now stop thinking about him. Ok, starting now. I turned on my computer. I jumped when a reminder about the staff meeting popped up. Oh right, that's today. I wonder who's the new Editor-In-Chief is going to be....I hope Mr. Pereira talked Jodie into—selfish I know—dropping her project and take over Spectrum. I got up and put my handbag on my chair before heading to the elevator. It took a minute before it opened. I walked inside then pressed 14F. I sucked in a deep breath then let it out slowly.

I'm so exhausted. I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight....hopefully.

The elevator opened less than a minute later. The meeting is in the Creative Department because it has the largest conference room in the building. The Creative Department has 4 floors; a lounge, studio, a room like this but without a conference room and this one. The room is like any hipster's dream...I guess with pine hardwood floors, the walls were printed midnight blue with beautiful snowy mountains and green and violet northern lights painted on every inch of the walls. There were at least 15 glass cubicles split unevenly on both sides of the elevator. Inside each cubicles was a cafe table like desk and a  rustic stool. Each desk had some kind of wacky desk lamp, a desktop, and a potted plant. The rest of the room had a glass partition enclosing the conference room. 

The conference room was pretty big but not big enough to hold Spectrum's entire staff. Some of the staff had to stand behind the doorway, around the partition and around the Creative staff's cubicles watching live footage of what was going on inside. The people inside were either interacting with each other or on their phones. I said good morning as I squeezed my way inside of the conference room. It was like walking through a jungle of overwhelming colognes and perfumes, and the occasional sweaty armpit. The sweating I could understand because all this excess body heat was making being inside unbearably hot.

 When I got to the front, I saw Leila Michel, our star photographer. She smiled at me and beckoned me over, giving me a small portion of her chair. Leila's heart-shaped face was covered in freckles. She's blue eyed, pale skinned and her copper hair is styled in a messy ponytail. She's 6 years older than I am. She wasn't thin nor on the heavy side. She's dressed in a white blouse, black and white striped Palazzos and brown wedges. 

"What you think the staff meeting is about?" She asked, hooking her arm with mine when I sat down. I bit my lip. As much as I hate lying because—I'm a terrible liar—I don't want to ruin the surprise. I shrugged, stiffly. She gave me a skeptical look. Think fast, Bre! 

"Err...may-maybe a new water fountain." I lied. She narrowed her eyes at me, I tried my best to keep my face neutral.

"Finally!" She exclaimed, her face lit up like a light bulb. Oh thank, God, she believes me. She threw her hands in the air, mouthing hallelujah. I smiled, stiffly. I looked up when everyone stopped muttering, Mr. Pereira walked passed us and behind him was a good looking, blonde stranger. I met his gaze and he smiled at me. Wow, the resemble is uncanny, he's one of Mr. Pereira's sons perhaps? Most likely. I smiled back before turning my attention to Mr. Pereira.

He stood beside Mr. Pereira still wearing that sweet smile of his, his eyes scanning the room. He had to be in his mid-twenties. He wore half of his wavy, shoulder-length, blonde hair in a bun on top of his head and the rest fell over his shoulders. His dark blue eyes popped under his dark eyelashes and eyebrows. He didn't have his father's jawline nor his nose, his face was a lot softer—more feminine and his small nose bone straight. His lips were a deep shade of pink and heart-shaped similar to Joey's but he definitely had his father's smile. He's about 6'1, an inch tall than Mr. Pereira, and slim with a bit of muscle. He wore khakis with a white shirt and a black tie with brown loafers. In all my years of working for Mr. Pereira, I've only met three of his eleven sons. Jonah, Jose, and Joey, the youngest and triplets. "Hmm. Gimme some of that." Leila said. I looked at her smirking face, she met my gaze and winked. I laughed and shook my head.

"Good morning, everyone." Mr. Pereira said.

"Morning." We said.

"I'm sure many of you have speculated about the reason for this staff or have heard rumors about my early retirement." Mr. Pereira began. "Well, the rumors of my retirement are true," he confessed. Everyone gasped, except me. Leila looked at me but didn't said anything. They began arguing about why he shouldn't retire. "Silence!" He yelled, shutting them up.

"Do you all remember what happened a few  months ago?" He questioned. He's talking about the heart attack he had in the middle of Leila's photo presentation.  "I would prefer if that never happens again nor does my wife....and my stepmother." They laughed. "But I'm leaving you all in the capable hands....of my two sons." He threw his arm around the blonde stranger, whose smile grew brighter. Wait a minute he said two of his sons?  Where's the other? 

"This is Joelle." Mr. Pereira announced. His name was pronounced Joe-Elle.

Joelle grinned with a sharp wave. "Hello everyone, I'm Joelle if you didn't catch my name. I'm more than happy to be here with such caring and attractive faces," he started. His voice is a lot deeper than I expected, by far. Everyone chuckled. I smiled. "I know some—hell most of you may not know me but I can tell you this; my brother and I are going to make this magazine our number 1 priority in turning it into something no one would dare put down. Ever." Everyone got up and cheered. I stood up and began clapping. Joelle held his hand out to a crazy tall man with dark hair, who was just getting up from the far right hand corner. The man walked over to Joelle and stood behind of him. 

"That guy's gigantic." Leila whispered, in awe. I nodded. You got that right.

"Everyone this is my twin brother, Joel." Joelle announced. The pronunciation was Joe and the sound of the letter L. I'm sensing a trend with Mr. Pereira's sons' names....they all seem to start with J. This was going to be a headache to remember who is who. 

I narrowed my eyes at Joel. Do I know him? He looks a bit familiar. Joel's dark shades added a sort of zest to him. He gave off this— I don't give a f**k, bad-boy energy and I'm not going to lie....its hot. Mr. Pereira nudged Joel's side and mouthed 'off'. Joel said something then took them off and revealed...gasp! My jaw dropped. Teal eyes. It's teal fricking eyes from yesterday! And he's going to be my boss. Holy s**t teal eyes are going to be my boss! 

"Hello." He said dryly, with a small wave. All the women gasped while I held back a scream. Why? Who knows! Joel looked tensed, he kept his eyes on his brother with a small smile. What a small freaking world. 

"Holy crap, he's hot," Leila said. The only thing I could do is nod. Wait a f*****g minute,  I'm in the front row! What if he sees me? Would he even remember me? What if he tries to talk to me, what would I say? Oh hi, remember from yesterday—what's that, you don't? Oh, I was the one you—oh you don't care ok...that's fine. Walks away in shame. "Which one?"

"Huh?" I replied, snapping out of it.

"Which one would you....you know." She asked, looking at me, wiggling her brows. Like seriously Leila. I'd do the air we breathe....smh.

"Um—neither. I mean...I just got out a relationship—"

Leila sighed, rolling her eyes. "It's just a question, I swear you suck the fun out of everything sometimes." She said, folding her arms. Sorry but dating is the last thing on my mind right now. Worst of all sex....what a minute! Ew! Leila, they're our bosses! Sleeping with any of them would be so inappropriate.

-

The meeting was a half-hour long and all I did was stare at Joel in shock, I mean who wouldn't? He's even hotter in that white shirt that seems like it couldn't contain his muscles, a cobalt blue tie, black trousers, and black loafers. His hair the same as yesterday. Now that I think about it, it's almost like superman's haircut. Joel looked bored out of his mind, yawning ever so often. "Meetings over, thank you for coming." Mr. Pereira said. Everyone started to pour out. I tried to blend into the crowd. "Aubrey, come here." Mr. Pereira called. f**k. 

I turned slowly and saw Mr. Pereira beckoning me over. I glanced at Joel as I walked towards them. They all towered over me. It was like staring up at a group of Greek statues. Mr. Pereira draped an arm over my shoulder, while Joel and Joelle argue about Joel wanting to leave early. "Ok try—" 

"Boys. This is Aubrey Cabrera, my secretary." Mr. Pereira said, cutting off Joel. They both turned at the same time. Joelle smiled at me but Joel didn't, he just looked me up and down with a brow in the air. His brows are furrowed, his eyes narrowed to slits and his lips pressed into a straight line. Was he trying to remember me? My heart began to race and my palms were getting sweaty. I wiped them off on my pants. Looking at Joel and Joelle you could tell they're brothers but being twins? That would be the last time on your mind. 

"Oh, so this is the woman you been going on about," Joelle said, taking my hand and kissed it. I blushed. Ok wow....um Leila...eat your heart out. "Pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Ms. Cabrera." I smiled.

"Aubrey is fine," I said. 

"Aubrey." He repeated, with half-smile. Charm runs in the family it seems. I glanced at Joel, who's now smirking at me. My heart fluttered. Then there's that brazen one.

"Well, I see why you haven't fired her yet," Joel said. I closed my eyes for a moment. That voice. He pushed Joelle aside and took his spot. He winked at me. I flushed and stared at my feet. "You were saving her for me." That made my heart want to pound out of my chest and my eyes widened. I bit my lip, recalling yesterday's events. Oh Joel, I don't need another man on my plate right now. 

"You're just going to tell him do that?" Joelle asked. I was about to look at Joelle but when Joel held my waist, my mind went blank. I gasped. I looked up into his teal eyes. Mesmerized. My hand rested over his steadily beating heart. Heat spiraled behind my fingers and I hated that I loved the feeling. I cleared my throat. That f*****g look he's giving me made my knees weak. Mr. Pereira slapped him across his head, killing the moment to an extent. "What the—dad like seriously?!" Joel whined, rubbing his head.

Mr. Pereira pulled me out of Joel muscular clutches. I was in a daze, tripping over my feet  as he pulled me to his side. "Absolutely no touching Aubrey, Joel." He said sternly. Joelle simpered behind his hand.

"About damn time," Joelle said. Joel shot daggers at Joelle but Joelle wasn't fazed. He opened his arms wide. "Come at me!" Joel stepped up to Joelle. They shoved each other. 

"For Heaven sakes act your age!" Mr. Pereira spat at them. Joel and Joelle looked at me and tried to look professional. I tried not to smile. It must be nice to have siblings. "While I'm gone I want you both to take care of her." Mr. Pereira said.

"I will to the best of my ability," Joel said, smiling at me. Is that so, Joel? Joelle rolled his eyes.

"My ass," Joelle grumbled, under his breath.

"I'm regretting this already." Mr. Pereira sighed. "Come on, Joelle. Let me show your new office and Joel....please—I'm begging you...keep your hands to yourself."

Joel stuffed his hands on his pockets, rocking on his heels. "I refuse." He said, mischievously. Mr. Pereira sighed and walked out. Joelle said bye to me then wiggled his tongue between his fingers at Joel. Joel was about to return the favor but stopped mid-action when I looked at him. He dropped his hand with a small smile. "Hello again." He said, softly. 

"Hi," I said, on impulse. I shook my head mentally. "You're his son?" I exclaimed, finally letting my shock out of my system.

"You are the ever tardy secretar?!" He mimicked my tone. "Trust me, I'm as shocked as you are... but I can't say I'm upset about it. In fact, I like it." He smirked, taking a step closer. "A lot." He whispered, in my ear. I blushed and pushed him away gently. I bit my lip. You're just shameless, aren't you?

"So, what are your jobs?" I questioned changing the subject.

"Well, he's the new Creative Director, and yours truly is the new Editor-in-Chief," he replied, "and as my first order as Editor-in-Chief, I'm making you my personal assistant." My eyes widened. He smirked. "You up for the challenge?"

I was tempted to say no but I ended up saying."Bold move, Mr. Pereira." He chuckled. Hmm, I love that sound. "Maybe I am—if you don't mind me being tardy every now and then?" I asked, hopefully.

He chuckled. "I do mind and you can call me Joel," he said, seriously then suddenly he smiled. His smile knocked a good five years off of him. His straight, white, teeth made me think of Colgate commercials. I swear, I'd watch his commercial all day if I could. Wait. I just realized what's going on here. We're flirting. Is this flirting? 

"It was worth a shot." I said, with a nervous chuckle.

"I'm not my dad, I hate when my employees are late...but I can always pick you up to prevent future tardiness."

"At my apartment?" I asked, bluntly.

"No, gas station," he said, sarcastically, "yeah...your apartment. If you're ok with that?" He asked, softly. His eyes roamed my face for a moment. My heart skipped a beat. What do you hope to gain by doing this Joel? Instinctively, I twirled a curl at my nape, as his gaze intensified. How can this beautiful man be flirting with a broken girl like me? Was it even genuine or out of pity? Aubrey stop this! He's your boss, he's just being nice.....but if he's genuinely flirting....that kind of behavior is inappropriate. Don't flirt back!

"You'd have to find it first," I said,  in a low voice. I winked and walked out of the conference room. I just said don't flirt back! Damnnit. I shook my head. I speed walked back inside. "Umm...what about Bethany?" I asked. He stuck his hands in his pockets, confused. "Mr. Pereira's personal assistant, Bethany Nicholas."

"Oh right, Ms. Nicholas. She's now Joelle's assistant." He replied. I mouthed oh then casually gestured him to follow me to the elevator.

"Let me show you around before we head to your office."

"Ok, no problem." He said, let me go in first. I smiled at him as I walked inside. I watched as he ducked his head to get in, he smiled when he saw me staring. I blushed.

"The downside of being tall." He joked, as he stood beside me.

"Can't relate," I said, smiling as I pressed the 2F. He chuckled.

"How tall are you? Like 4 feet 11?" He questioned, looking down at me. 

"I'm 5'2." I corrected.

He smirked, his eyes taking me in. "My mistake...oh and sorry for calling you a midget yesterday—if you heard—"

"It's ok, don't worry about it." 

"You sure?" He asked. I nodded. "And I like your height by the way...it's cute." He said. My eyes widened. Do you think it's cute?

"What's so cute about it?" I questioned, giving him my full attention.

He shrugged. "I don't know. Short girls are just my weakness." He replied. So all girls? Because I'm sure the vast majority of women you come across are way shorter than you.

"Isn't every girl you come across short to you?" 

"Yes but...girls 5 feet 5 and below, their like magnets to me." He replied, looking me dead in the eye. I blushed. 

"Interesting....how tall are you—if you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all. I'm 6 feet 6." He answered. My jaw dropped. Damnnn. He smirked. "Yeah, I intend to have that effect on people." He joked. I chuckled. "So where are we heading?"

"Management," I replied.

"Lead the way." He said, when the elevator opened.