Chicago Alpha

Chapter 3: The lovely Mr. Robbins

Chapter 3

Clarissa's P.O.V

Why did fate hate me so much? Fate had given me a gorgeous specimen of a man as my boss—well boss of my boss. Putting on a front I made my way to my cluttered desk. There was a method to my madness even if my secretary would tell you otherwise. I felt his watchful eyes upon me.

"Mr. Robbins-- To what do I owe the pleasure?" I returned with a professional and questioning smile. He seemed to think over my remark while I pulled out my files and laid them on my desk. It was not typical for someone in his position to speak with the company's Junior Editor. I was just the paper girl doing the editors' job when she did not feel like doing it.

A soft knock came from the door as Ashley, the receptionist, entered carrying a brown coffee cup. She was an astonishing girl, and I was fortunate enough to grow quite close to her over the past three months she had been here. She knew exactly how to reach my heart.

"Thank you, Ashley. You are amazing as always." I replied with a smile, taking the cup from her hand.

"Mr. Robbins..." Ashley said hesitantly. "I am so sorry. I did not realize you were here, or I would have brought you a coffee as well. Would you like one?" She stumbled over her words, quite embarrassed. He quietly smiled at her and shook his head, watching as she closed the door behind her.

It was becoming a bit irritating how he seemed to be lingering in my office and had not spoken on why he was here. The alarm bells were going off, and yet my hormones fought against them as I inhaled the scent of pine and raw earth.

"Mr. Robbins... is everything okay?" I inquired, hoping that he would reply and end this uncomfortable silence he was giving. His olive eyes cast over me again as he smiled nodding his head.

"Actually, yes. I stopped by the firm today to look at some of the new possible prospects." Standing, he began to pace around my office, looking over all my photos that lingered on the walls and end tables.

I leaned back in my chair and drank leisurely on my coffee, watching him. "New prospects?"

"Ms. Rivers will no longer be the editor of this firm. She is taking work elsewhere after today." My heart skipped a beat at his words. I could not help but question the suspense. Did that mean a promotion? Trying to stifle my excitement, I sat like there was not a rollercoaster going through my subconscious.

"So, does that mean I should be expecting a new supervisor? I can get papers together to help show them around and to give them an insight into your operations if you would like?" I beamed at him as he turned around and gazed at me with a teasing grin. Embracing his hands behind his back, he turned towards the bay windows that overlooked the Riverwalk and seemed to think quietly to himself.

"Come here, Ms. Iver. I want to show you something." His tone was assertive, and I did not question him one bit. This was my job on the line, after all. Moving from my seat, I headed towards the window, taking my place next to Mr. Robbins. I was unsure what he wanted me to do by just looking out at the mass of people moving around like mice trying to get somewhere.

Brantley did not hesitate as he stepped closer to me, turning his body to face mine as I stood uncomfortably. I could not help but notice precisely how near he was to me and the way my heart was racing, uncertain of what to do next.

"What do you see, Clarissa?" Brantley said firmly. His green eyes fixated on me.

"A city with potential waiting to be discovered, Mr. Robbins." The words spilled from my lips, and I was suddenly very self-conscious of my answer. Perhaps that was not what he wanted to hear. Maybe he was looking for what was out there on the street. I could not help but feel obtuse by my response. Yet, he stood next to me, grinning.

"You have an amazing mind, Clarissa, which is why I look forward to working with you in the future. I will be taking back control of my firm, for the time being, seeing as no one I can think of is qualified for the position of editor at the moment." His words were like blades to my heart as I felt the engulfing feeling of disappointment in my stomach.

Stepping away from him, I fixed a smile upon my face. "Of course, Mr. Robbins. I completely agree with you." Brantley looked utterly in shock over my response. Nodding my head, I turned and went back to my desk, taking a seat. "Was there anything else you needed, Mr. Robbins?"

He seemed to think over my response a moment longer before shaking his head and straightening his suit jacket. "No, Clarissa. I think that will be all. I would appreciate a meeting Monday to go over the potential clients we have as well as the synopsis of the work they have provided."

I smiled at him, giving him a soft sigh. "Of course, Mr. Brantley. I will have them first thing that morning."

With that, he was out of my office, and I could not help but let the tears slowly fall down my cheeks. I was foolish to think I was deserving of the Editor position.

Day turned quickly into the evening as the sun began to dissolve behind the city buildings. Immediately tidying up my desk, I turned off my table lamp and made my way out into the reception area. I had a bottle of wine at home that was calling my name. It was a cliché when I thought about it.

"Are you heading home already?" A small voice called from behind the receptionist's desk. Ashley was a petite pale skinned girl with a short black bob and soft gray eyes. I had to admit she was the sweetest girl I had ever met. Ashley had the potential to be a fantastic writer with all the vision she held.

"Yes, Ashley. It has been a long day, and my wine and sofa are calling me." She giggled at my statement and nodded her head while picking up her purse.

"I was just about to leave myself. I will walk out with you." I smiled as she accompanied me out of the front door. It was dark out, and the air outside was dreary. Turning off the building lights and locking the door, I found myself letting my blue eyes wander to the star-filled sky.

It was a chilly evening, and I was looking forward to the walk back to the train station. Reaching into my pocket, I removed my headphones and placed them in my ears. My walk was not long, but it was nice being close to the river and feeling the breeze against my skin.

As I grew closer to the station, a faint sound drew my attention from my music. Taking in my surroundings, my eyes fell upon a dark figure in the shadows of two buildings. At his feet laid another character, but I could have sworn the man staring at me had long nails, and his eyes seemed to glow. Standing wide-eyed in fear, I did the only thing I could think to do. I began to run as fast as I could the few yards to the train platform. My feet hit the steps quickly as the train pulled up to the platform, and the doors opened.

I burst through the open door just in time to watch them close behind me. My heart seemed like it was going to erupt from my chest as I took my seat and stared out the window. It was at that moment a figure came up the steps, and I froze. A tall, gorgeous Hispanic man stood there panting as his eyes followed me on the train. I could not help but notice what looked like crimson stains on his hands and shirt. My breath caught in my throat as he disappeared out of my view.

I had to admit at that moment; I was petrified.