Freaks & Geek

Chapter 10: Not About Angels

The entire drive to the office Harlow was in shock. She couldn't believe how fast she fell in love with the car, but she knew that at this point they were never getting it back. She watched as Calypso got out of a red Mercedes and parked next to her. "Well check you out, chica! I didn't see this beauty in the garage yesterday." Harlow stepped out of the vehicle to give her a hug, but Calypso pulled back. "Mamacita, you look good!"

"Oh hush! You look like you step off the runway on a daily." Harlow quipped linking arms as they made their way onto the elevator. Harlow wasn't sure what it was but being around Calypso made her feel sexy and desirable. She loved the boost in confidence it provided. "How was yesterday for you? I didn't get to see you after lunch." Harlow said looking over at her new friend. "It was okay. Lydia is a bitch, but that was to be expected." Harlow cocked her head to the side.

"What do you mean expected?" Calypso widened her eyes, but Harlow was already on her. "You better tell the truth and shame the devil." Calypso couldn't help but laugh. "That's actually a thing believe it or not." Harlow looked at her confusedly until she spoke up.

"Lydia and Val have a thing going on, so she feels because she's sleeping with the boss that she can say and do whatever she wants. It's annoying as hell reporting to her. Anyway, how was your day?" Harlow had stopped listening. Did this fool have a whole ass girlfriend? Why was she even working here still after meeting me, their supposed loved mate? How many women has he slept with? I'm such an idiot. She thought to herself. 

"Harlow," Calypso called for the third time. "I'm sorry, hon. What did you say?" Calypso looked at her worriedly before smiling. "I said you down for lunch today?" Harlow nodded happily. "I'll tell Declan." Harlow watched Calypso's face drop a bit. "Sure," she finally said. They said their goodbyes as Calypso got off on the tenth floor and Harlow rode her way to the top. The newfound news about Val had put her in a sour mood. All she wanted to do was code while listening to her favorite podcast The Read and tune everything and everyone out.

"Hey bestie," Declan said from his desk. She couldn't help but smile at him. "How are you feeling?" Declan waved her off. "I just had a bad headache, but I'm good as new today." Harlow nodded happy to hear it. She put her purse up before grabbing her notepad and heading into a small conference room with the rest of the team members for the Halo project. James gave them their assignments for the day and Harlow was the first to get up and leave, but was called back by James.

"How you doing, Harlow?" She looked at him with a bored expression. "I'm fine, James. I am excited to get started on this project, so if that's all I'll be going now." He chuckled lightly before stopping her. "I've never met any woman like you before, Harlow." He moved into her personal space before wrapping an arm around her waist and placing his hand on her shoulder. "You are going to fall for me and do whatever I say from this point onward." Harlow looked at him as if he'd lost his mind before shoving him back.

"Don't you ever fucking touch me! Do I make myself clear?" Harlow said angrily. Her voice was almost unrecognizable and she knew he had noticed it too. "I said, do I make myself clear?" James simply nodded staring at her like she was the freak in the situation. Harlow left the conference room in a huff before going to her desk to grab her phone and leave. "Where are you going, Lo?" Declan asked as she was about to leave. "I just need air." She responded before walking out.

Val, Wes and Damien were all in a mood. Harlow's words weren't meant to hurt, but they did. Damien tried to offer words of patience and encouragement to the men he deemed his brothers, but even he was having a hard time believing them. "Mr. Watkins is here to speak with you," Mrs. Clara announced through the phone. Val groaned loudly thankful that their room was not only soundproof, but spelled by the witches in Marketing. "What the fuck does he want?" Wes growled not a fan of the pompous vampire either.