The Arrangement

Chapter 6

Isabella
We're all currently in the conference room, Nick, Rebecca, Victoria, Ryder,Jackson and... Alessandra. It's officially been a month since our apprenticeship started, so far it's been good. The amount of work is reasonable and not incredibly difficult. My understanding on practical daily law has increased.

I give all the credit to Victoria, despite her flirty and playful demeanor she's an amazing mentor, she always makes sure I understand what's going on and is incredibly patient and helpful.

Ever since breakfast last week, Alessandra and I have had at least two conversations... more like a few words of exchange. Once when I had to drop off a file from Victoria and the other when she came in to talk to Victoria who wasn't in. There were simple and short exchanges, her expressions throughout remained unreadable.

However, despite her distant and serious nature, I can't help but feel drawn to her, in what kind of way? I have no idea. It's like every time we're in the same room, my heart rate increases and I find myself catching glimpses of her. I've never felt like that ever which is incredibly odd.

And the bee incident... for the second time I embarrassed myself in front of her. Though being in her arms just felt so... right? As I said earlier I'm not one for physical touch but I could lay in her arms for hours on end and would be incredibly content.

What the hell?

As Alessandra sits at the head of the table, she discusses our progress with our mentors. Victoria though is doing most the talking. Rebecca still hasn't changed, she's still the same stuck up and rude brat. I have noticed a few things that seem off about her though, she doesn't come off as a smiley or physically affectionate person but whenever she's around Ryder, they always seem to behave in a way couples would.

Nickolas on the other hand has opened up a lot more and we talk quite a lot. We've even been on a few coffee breaks, discussing work and getting to know each other better. I think what made me let him in was me finding out he's gay. Part of me felt more relaxed, like I don't have to be in fight mode, with the thought that he may do something. Since I'm not what he goes for whatsoever.

As the mentors discuss our progress, I zone out the conversation and absentmindedly stare. You know sometimes when you've zoned out and don't realize who or what you're staring at. Just to my luck I'm staring at Alessandra, specifically her chest. She's wearing a black pencil dress that highlights her curves so well. I can't help but admire her every time she's around. Everyone else is too engrossed in the conversation, apart from Alessandra, she sees me staring directly at her chest and raises an eyebrow after I look up at her.

Instantly my cheeks heat up a dark blush and I look away. Ughh why does it always happen to me? Now she's going to think I'm such a weirdo maybe even a creep.

For the rest of the meeting I stare right ahead at Victoria who's opposite me, listening to what she's saying. Weirdly Redhead Rebecca is doing the same with Ryder, but her gaze looks almost like she's trying to be seductive. Eugh gross. Although Rebecca is always in a sour mood with everyone, with me it gets even worse, all I've received from her are dirty looks and "accidental" shoves.

Once the meeting is over and we all begin to get up and leave, Alessandra stays put. I hear her calling out for me before I can leave. "Fernandez, a word." She demands in her usual cold tone.

I stop and turn around to face her, giving her a hesitant nod. Victoria gives Alessandra a discreet smirk that I catch. Redhead Rebecca rolls her eyes as she walks to the door and I hear her mutter "ass kisser". What in the world have I even done to her for her to hate me so damn much?

"Is there something you have to say Smith?" Alessandra asks Rebecca in a stern tone. "N...no sorry Ms Romano." She stutters before scrambling out of the room. Nick snickers quietly as he walks out too.