The Devil In The Suit - Episode 11

 

She tried to move her legs but it didn't budge. Then she tried turning to the opposite direction, helplessly aiming for the restroom but a voice interrupted that brisk movement.

"over here" it was Gabriel, his tone excited like he couldn't wait to show her what was in front of him. She sighed, whirling around to see her date wave enthusiastically like a child.

She put on a fake smile, hands shaky, plodding towards the table . Gabriel immediately offered his chair then glanced around for an empty one because Daniel was occupying hers. She got seated, wrapping her fingers around each other and glaring at her untouched food like it could suddenly reveal a way of getting rid of unwanted guests. She fought the urge not to look at Daniel but who was she kidding? she still stole a glance. Daniel was dressed in a business suit, depicting business. His grey tie circled around his neck. His black hair tousled up in a good way. Lips too pink. He looked jaw-droopingly handsome which made her look perturbed. What about his date? She thought.

Daniel stared at Genevieve, he knew she was aware of his presence. She griped her fork too hard, not even scooping a meal. Jenny, his date got a call from her agency just as Genevieve got to the toilet. It was an emergency shoot

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. Daniel couldn't care less if Jenny suddenly disappeared in thin air. She forced her self on him and he saw her as a way of getting rid of his problems. He had more fun watching his PA gamut of emotions.

Genevieve hardened her grip on the fork, wishing it was his neck she held so tightly, ripping it apart. 

The tension between them was palpable that a knife could go through it. None of them daring to say a word. This is what happens when you force your PA into a kiss. The air suddenly seemed intense. Daniel surveyed Genevieve with a nonchalant expression while she, almost shoving her face in the food, pretending to be unaffected by his presence. Gabriel got an extra chair, a satisfied smile on his face as he sat, facing Genevieve.

"Can you believe he owns this restaurant" Gabriel's voice sounded surprised. 

Genevieve wasn't surprised, the Cokers owned different vast restaurants and hotels too. But she didn't know this was one of them. Gabriel mentioned it was new, she should be accustomed with it if it were. Maybe he meant two months ago kind-of-new.

"Not only restaurants, Gabriel. Hotels too" Daniel bragged, not giving out his identity yet. They had earlier introduced themselves and were laughing on Liverpool's defeat against Real Madrid. They both agreed that Bale was the man of the match.

Genevieve paled, making small noises as she slurped her spaghetti. It tasted nice but now isn't a good time to go all glutton.

"Am I right, Genevieve?" Daniel asked. Genevieve jerked up with spaghetti hanging out of her mouth. What was he doing? Loving her uneasiness was what he was doing. She slowly swallowed, dropping her fork and looked up to Gabriel. His brows rose out of confusion.

"I haven't mentioned her name or did I?" Gabriel gave them both a questioning look, his gaze landed on Genevieve. "Am I missing something?" He added.

Genevieve opened her mouth to speak but closed it immediately. This was so embarrassing. Her date meeting her boss. On normal terms it wasn't bad but the boss whose kiss you returned? 

"Genevieve, why don't you explain it to him" Daniel eyes glittered with mischief as he studied the both of them, he leaned into his seat, folding his arms, clearly enjoying the silence.

"I work for him. I'm his personal assistant" she replied glumly.

"You said you worked for the CEO. Meaning he's the CEO. Wow, Daniel Coker, never thought I would meet you in person. No wonder you looked so familiar. It's a privilege to finally meet you" Gabriel offered his palm for an handshake and Daniel took it, saying "pleasure is all mine, Doctor Gabriel" but it didn't reach his heart even Genevieve knew that.

Genevieve resumed her food, the date turning from a romantic date she wished for into a business gathering. She would fake a chuckle from time to time just to feel among. Daniel would stare at her, trying to capture her eyes. But she didn't even spare him a glance. She met another side of Daniel today, despite he was still in his office clothes, he never sounded arrogant. He behaved like a normal- not bonkers human. A part she wished would be amalgamated in him permanently.

* *

Genevieve fretfully dropped the files on Daniel's table. Angry about two things. Firstly, the kiss, then his intrusion on her perfect date on Saturday. She wished work didn't resume on Monday because she had to face him again. She fought the urge not to spit on his face for taking advantage of her. But she couldn't do the same to her face too, she was also guilty of the crime. She kissed him back.

She turned to leave his office not waiting a millisecond.

"Wait" he ordered sternly, getting up. She let out a harsh sigh as she turned around, hiding any sign of emotions.

"Who is that guy to you?" he blurted. She peered at him, searching his dark eyes for clues but his eyes gave away nothing. she knew he was referring to Gabriel. Without thinking, she also voiced out the inevitable question that has been invading her mind.

"Why did you kiss me?" she snapped. Scrutinising his face again. He looked unfazed like he saw it coming.

"Is that how you say a thank you?"

"I didn't ask you to get me a cake...sir"

"Ungrateful much?"

"Why did you kiss me?" She asked again, staring directly in his eyes.

"It was a mistake, Genevieve, don't dwell on it okay? I was so bummed and wasn't thinking straight. I apologize, It won't ever happen again, you have my word, I mean, it's only a kiss"

She felt something break inside her as he mentioned it was a mistake. Did she expect it to be something more? How could she think that Daniel Coker would want something from her, order than give her orders, but it didn't hurt, thinking he was interested in her even if she knew he never would be. 

She hissed, rushing to the door but he retracted her by firmly holding her wrist and pushing her into his hard chest. She let out a sharp intake of breath.

"What are you doing? Let me go" she forced out, trying to free herself. The keyword. "Trying". It was like an ant 'trying' to break through a brazen wall.

"you're hurting me sir. Please" she cried out, breathing heavily. Daniel released her wrist immediately at her wail.

"I'm sorry" he whispered. They heard a loud honk from outside, Genevieve glanced at the wall clock, knowing it was Gabriel.

"Who is the Doctor to you?" Daniel demanded.

"Why do you care sir? It's none of your business. I didn't see a rule written anyway that a worker here shouldn't go out with guys after work. Or is there?" She asked. He kept mute, not saying a word.

"You may be my boss but you aren't the boss of my decisions"  His jaw clenched at her words.
Unknown anger flared through him as he watched her leave. He peeked through his glass window, seeing Genevieve get into a man's car. But it didn't zoom off. Confused, he saw Genevieve come out of the car, having a heated discussion with a man. Daniel retrieved his suit jacket, going down. The building was almost empty as everyone retired to their homes. 

Daniel stepped out with folded arms. He leaned into a wall close-by, viewing in amazement.

"I'm sorry, Genevieve. It's an emergency. I need to be at the hospital in about...twenty-five minutes" Gabriel added, glancing at his watch.

"I understand. Go do what you do, you know, saving lives. I'll be fine" Genevieve promised, straightening her high-waist skirt.

"I don't know. Are you sure?"

"Yes Gabriel. Go!" She laughed, pushing him towards his car.

"I'm not convinced yet, I'll call a cab to get you home, then I'll go" he disputed, eyeing the road ahead. They both turned as they heard a voice.

"I could take her home" Daniel offered blandly, walking towards them. Genevieve froze, was he eavesdropping on their conversation?

"No!" She yelled then turned to Gabriel who stared at her in uncertainty. "I mean. A cab sounds fine" she forced a smile.

Gabriel pager went off again, he quickly rushed the words. "I need to go now, Genevieve. Please I rather you go with him alright? It's safer. I'll get going" he got in as Genevieve opened her mouth to protest but his car was barely in sight. Only if he knew it was going to be the opposite of safe.

She awkwardly turned to Daniel "Er, you don't have to bother yourself sir. I've been doing this for a while now. So- I'll get going then"

"I will take you home" he said coldly, getting in his range rover SUV. He studied her from the opened door, she was still rooted to her spot, making no attempt to move "get in" he ordered.

She looked around, feeling nervous. She should be grateful he was offering a lift but how would she survive with him in there? She nodded slowly, then got in and buckled her seatbelt. She watched as he put his key in the ignition and she shivered as the car roared to life. She would risk a glance at the object of her distress from time to time but he eyes were fixated on the road. She inhaled, loving the familiar fragrance that engulfed her. She watched as his muscles flexed unknowingly. It should be illegal to be this gorgeous. She thought. She heard him clear his throat but was too busy humiliating herself by gawking him like a loon.

"When you are done ogling. Give me directions to your house" he said, making her flush, she quickly turned away. Why should he have this much effect on her?  Why was he being nice by offering her a ride home? It was just too much for her brain to handle.

Few minutes later, he pulled over at her driveway. She frowned, fidgeting for a way to unbuckle her seat belt. Daniel leaned forward, igniting the butterflies in her tummy. She gasped as he leaned into her, his eyes clouded with something close to lust. She felt her heart pounding against her chest in a fast rhythm.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Her knees became weak, she was scared if he could hear her heartbeat but of course he couldn't, because his was doing the same. She gulped, knowing that if she swallowed one last time, she was definitely going to run out of saliva. Something glint flickered in his dark eyes.

Then he whispered.

"I thought you looked beautiful on Saturday, very beautiful"

The words were endearing as it kept resonating. She fluttered her eyes shot, anticipating something more. Then she heard a click which snapped her eyes open. Daniel was now seated in his seat. He looked stoic as he rested his head on the wheel. She noticed the seatbelt was off and she quickly got out of his car, sprinting to her door. Daniel watched her from his window as she disappeared fully. He sighed, then looked straight ahead. He thought about nothing as he drove sullenly to his penthouse.