Beauty and the Beast

Chapter 4.

Another day, another dollar. Fuck, I hate working. I'd much rather be laid up on my couch reading some soppy love story, but, yet again, I have bills to pay.

"Alexis," My head snaps around to the sound of his voice. He looks angry, like he did a few night ago. So damn sexy. His eyebrows come together tightly, creating a few creases on his forehead. "My office," He stares at me intently, holding me to my stance. "Now, Miss Monroe." He turns away from me, quickly walking towards his office. I drop the box of books and rush to his door. I take a deep breath and sigh. 

God, please don't let me get fired.

"Shut my door, please," I nod and do as asked. He's dressed nice, as usual. Navy blue slacks, a light yellow dress shirt, and a grey tie. "Alexis," The sound of him saying my name gives me a sense of pleasure. I smile to myself, tugging on my bottom lip. I wonder what he can do with his hands,his words still sending chills down my spine. "Remember the offer I made you? About working in my library?"

"Y-yes," Curse my weakness. "I actually-"

"Forget about it." He says sternly. My mouth falls slightly agape and I huff. I need this job!

"What? No! Why? Mr. Reedus I-"

"End of discussion, Miss Monroe. I gave you a chance to take it and you didn't agree. You chose to stay here and make shit pay, blame yourself." He refuses to look at me. His eyes staying locked tight on his newspaper. My heart drops into my stomach.

"Mr. Reedus, please! I was going to get back with you as soon as I apol-"

"Have a nice day, Miss Monroe. That will be all." He waves his hand at me to exit. My cheeks heat up and I'm on the verge of tears. I understand that there has been tension between us since the other night, but that wasn't my fault. He came onto me!

"Damn it! Quit interrupting me for one second!" His eyes meet mine the moment those words leave my lips. I swallow the lump in my throat, twiddling with my fingers. "I- Mr. Reedus- I need all the help I can get," I say softly. "My parents are paying for most of my things, my apartment, car, schooling, they can't pay for it all. I help when I can, but it's hard. Please, Mr. Reedus, I need this job, I know you want me." I don't know how I can explain it any more than I did. "Please."

"Don't make me regret this, Alexis. Because if you do-"

"Yeah, yeah," I smile playfully. "You'll fire me." He rubs the back of his neck and chuckles.

"Yeah," He shakes his head. "Something like that," He reaches into his pants pocket, pulling out a key-ring that seems to have a billion keys on it. "Diane should be there, but if she's not, use the Orange key."

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Mr. Reedus!" I rush over rapping my arms around his neck. He shuffles awkwardly and clears his throat. "Oh, sorry," I quickly pull back, running my hands down my shirt, removing the wrinkles.

"It's okay," He laughs. "I must apologize though," His face stern and full of sorrow. "I was rude the other night. I just- I don't know what had gotten into me. I'm sorry, Alexis, I really am. I would never do anything to hurt you in any way. I'm truly am sorry," His hand grasps my cheek. Is thumb softly stroking it. "Please, let me make it up to you," I could sense the pain in his voice. Strangely enough, I enjoyed the way he looked right at this moment, the whole innocent look really worked for him.

"I just don't understand," I remove myself from his hold. "Nevermind, the point is I needed the job taking care of your library, and I got it. I'll be over later," I give him and smile and a quick nod. I find myself wishing that he would come onto me again. I can't deny that I'm attracted to him, but I have to remember that he's much older. He would never have a relationship with someone like me. To him I'm a child, and from how he talks to me, I can tell that he thinks I'm poor. Fuck him. I know I'm not the wealthiest person, but I am far from poor.