In His Fantasies

7. Office Dreaming

Astrea

The car ride was much less daunting than I thought it would be. It would have been much better without the hangover still rearing its head but I have no one to blame but myself. I could put this on Mr. Castle but given the predicament, I'd rather not think about him any more than I already am.

Every second in this car was like a silent punishment. The music was on low, but too low. The kind where you can halfway hear the words and end up straining yourself until you understand. Add to that the air conditioner set one degree too low. It was just enough to make my skin crawl. I'm hot-blooded as it is, so too much of a little heat makes my skin irritable. Such a tiny difference was killing me the entire ride, but I could do nothing about it.

I stare at him the entire ride. Watching as his leg shakes back and forth, making me want to touch him but then I remember what I'm here for. It happens often now that thoughts and images of him invade my mind and I have no clue how to get them out, or if I even want them out.

"Ms. Novak, I have a meeting as soon we arrive so I'll have Arella escort you to my office. It shouldn't be too long."

Mr. Castle speaks not once looking up from his phone as he types viciously on the screen. I nod silently as the car comes to a halt and follow him out.

"Mr. Castle, the meeting has been set up to your liking. I can take you there if you'd like." Arella meets us as we unload from the car, a bright smile on her face.

"No need. You will be escorting Ms. Novak to my office instead."

I crawl out behind Kellen holding his hand finally being spotted by Arella. Her face falls into a frown but only for a second as her eyes gawk at our connected fingers. If you weren't paying close enough attention you wouldn't even notice the slight change. She recovers quickly but her smile doesn't reach her ears like it did the moment she laid eyes on Kellen, she barely shows any teeth as her lips are held tightly together trying not to grimace at the sight in front of her.

"Ms. Novak, you're back." She grimaces, the pitch of her voice rising. 

Turning back to Mr. Castle I try to get away from her uncomfortable gaze and follow him as he places his hand on my back guiding me inside.

"If you need anything let me know." He whispers and kisses my cheek before walking off. 

I watch as he disappears around the corner and turns back to Arella whose arms are crossed and feet planted as she scowls at me. This is not the same girl I met a few days ago. No, this one is territorial and I've just trespassed on what she thinks is hers.

"It's nice to see you again." I smile but she dismisses the gesture and walks past me without a word. I move to catch up with her as she takes off down the hall. 

"Lis-listen, I can show myself-"

Arella stills and I stop, taking a step away before running into her back. She tilts her head, and a venomous grin appears making me wish I would have kept my mouth shut and just followed like the scared puppy she thinks I am. Her eyes are dark and grim like she's challenging me but I don't back down. As intimidating as she might be, I'm not one to let myself be walked all over, hungover or not.

"Mr. Castle's instructions we're clear, no? Now, I'm sure you wouldn't want to go against them, would you Ms. Novak?"

"No." I grit shake my head and gesture my arm forward waving her to continue. "I wouldn't."

"Great, now follow me and I will take you to his office." She perks up and I follow behind her at a distance as she leads me to his office.

This time I get a long look at his building, it fits his personality. Most bosses would have their offices on the top floor of their building but Mr. Castle's office is on the ground floor. The white walls and black tiles scream sophistication and punctuality. Picture frames of books not only his but others decorate the walls nicely. It's amazing how much you miss when you aren't truly looking.