The Grand Viper

7. Locomote

"I told you I can go home on my own," I said as I placed my chin on my hand. The tall buildings in the city surrounded either side of the road. The sky was bright with a few clouds. The day was warmer, the rain yesterday must have caused it.

"Your security is also a priority Ms.Gunn." Theodore glanced at me with a smile.

Just then he steered the car in the opposite direction to my apartment. I leaned in front and looked at him with a lifted brow. "This is not the way to my home."

"Well for the time being and for your safety, you'll be staying in Mr. Bloomfield's penthouses."

"What do you mean-"

"It was his order. He is our boss so we must follow them."

"I don't care if he is my boss I won't stay there-"

"I think there are some things that are more important than your grudges, Ms.Gunn." He coldly looked at me."I hope you are not stupid enough to get yourself fired."

I shut my mouth and looked out the window. He was telling the truth. I had been giving more than the required attention to Reece. Whenever I look at him, I seem to lose the sense of self-control and pour my anger easily. I cannot let my emotions get the best of me. I've been good at thinking with my head all this time, I cannot let one person ruin that.  On top of that, he is my boss. I cannot leave the company until I know the truth.

"I'll be more careful now," I said, without turning to look at him. He smiled and returned to driving.

After some time, we reached his apartment. It looked like all of my belongings had already been taken care of before I got discharged.

Why would he go to lengths to help me?

Does he...? No. He left me at the worst point of my life. 

I had so many questions but Theodore wasn't the right person to ask at the moment so I let those thoughts stay within.

After a quiet drive, we reached his apartment. Checking in at the reception, his apartment was situated on the top floor. We quietly walked towards the elevator.

After the door closed in, he said, "You can use this as an opportunity to your full advantage." His face was stern.

"Yeah, I think I can," I said.

***

The elevator opened in front of a short corridor which eventually led to a spacious living room with the finest furniture and a piano on one end of the living room. On the right of the living room, there was a kitchen and on the left of the living room, a staircase was present to reach the bedroom. Another bedroom was right below it.   On the contrast of white tiles and walls, it was black and it was neatly polished. 

"That is where I've placed your belongings." He said pointing towards the room below.

"Thank you." I walked towards that room.

"I'll take my leave," Theodore said and walked away.

The room was quite big considering my apartment. There was a queen size bed in the middle with an opaque closet on the left of the wall. I ventured in further to see a closet room that connected to the attached bathroom. I was not met with any boxes, everything was kept right in place, including my recently bought clothes which I believed were thrown away.

***

"I appreciate you giving me a place to live after that incident, Mr. Bloomfield," I said as I placed a cup of coffee for him on the counter. "I made this to thank you."

"Let's leave the formalities at the office, shall we?"

"I thought that would make you uncomfortable-"

"What makes me uncomfortable is you being so fucking formal with me."

"Maybe it's guilt that's making you uncomfortable." I snapped, "You mentioned that you pitied me and that's why to ease your guilt you've brought me here, haven't you?"

All the times he had hurt me. All the sleepless nights I spent came rushing in. I was filled with rage. I had tried controlling it but in front of him, I always lost it.

How dare he hurt me when I trusted him with everything?

He clenched his fist and approached me, the distance between us being only inches apart. "You not answering is making my point clear. I mean what was I even expecting from you? You do everything for yourself. You are selfish as always-"

His lips clashed with mine, muffling all of my complaints at the mercy of his lips. My heart was beating fast and I couldn't tell if it was because of anger or sheer despair I felt under him. No amount of resistance worked against him, my body easily gave in as always. I tightly closed my eyes shut and gave in to his lips. His hands grabbed my hair and pulled me in. He was impatient, I could tell it by the way he didn't let me catch my breath. He didn't want to let go, he didn't want me to breathe. He wanted to suffocate me like he was inside. He had so much to tell, so much to explain but all he could do right now was express it through his lips. He pulled away leaving me breathless. As I panted from the kiss, he placed his hands on either side of my cheek and looked at me.

"What do you know, Ruby?" He asked. I could sense underlying desperation in his voice. My eyes widened when I could see a glint in his eyes, a spark of vulnerability but before I could look in further, he looked away. I felt hurt looking. There was so much he had been keeping to himself. I wanted to hug him, take him away, take care of him... bring him back but I knew the damage was too deep for it not to be scarred.

As he started walking away, I knew the door he had ever so slightly opened was closing in again and I couldn't let that happen so soon. "Stop."

He stopped in his tracks but didn't turn. "If you need me, I'll be here.", I said.

He turned his head slightly and said, "You're only making it difficult." 

***