Deception

CHAPTER ELEVEN

RYAN'S POV

Being on a blind date was one thing, but being on one with the feared and highly esteemed youngest CEO of the best fashion brand in the country was certainly something else.

She was stiff at first, and I expected that, or even worse. But she slowly began to warm up and it felt good seeing her smile. It didn't take me long to realize that underneath her cold exterior, she was a sweet and gentle soul. I don't know why I felt happy seeing this side of her that I was sure only few people knew, but it felt amazing.

We spoke about stuff we did outside work and she mentioned that she's into boxing. I was quite impressed and instructed myself never to offend her so that I won't get punched in the face. We spoke about work as well, and I was happy we had one thing in common - pressure from family.

All in all, it was amazing.

" You aren't what I expected, you know." I said, watching her fiddle with her purse.

She stared at me, trying to hide a smile. " And what were you expecting?"

I shrugged." Someone...stiff, maybe? But underneath your stiff exterior lies the real you. And that side of you is beautiful." I voiced out my thoughts.

She smiled widely and I couldn't help but smile as well. " Thanks. And for the record, you're not so bad yourself. Thanks for making this interesting."

" My pleasure."

She stood up and smiled again." I'll get going now. And it was nice meeting you." She said, extending her hand.

I stood up and shook her hand." Let me drop you off."

" Oh no... no. My PA is waiting outside."

" Let me walk you there, then."

She smiled and nodded, silently giving me permission. I took her hand and led her outside the room and out of the restaurant. It was already dark outside, but the busy street seemed unaware of that, judging from how busy every nook and cranny was. She led us to where a red Ferrari was parked, and a dark haired lady walked up to us.

Both ladies greeted each other and the dark haired lady, who seemed to be Ellie's PA, turned to me but choked on the words that were about to leave her mouth. I stared at her, and I realized she was staring at something with wide eyes. I followed her gaze and that's when I realized that Ellie and I were still holding hands. Ellie yanked her hand away and bit her lip nervously. I smiled at that, because she looked really cute.

The lady cleared her throat." Hi. I'm Chloe Rogers, Miss Brown's Personal Assistant." She said, extending her hand.

I shook her hand. " Ryan Adams."

Her eyes widened again in surprise." Ryan Adams? W&E's Vice President?"

I nodded in response and she seemed quite amused. She winked at Ellie and turned back to me." Mr Adams, it's a pleasure meeting you."

" Same here, Miss Rogers." I smiled.

Ellie cleared her throat." Ryan, we'll get going now."

" Hold on." I said and pulled out a card from my jacket's pocket and handed it to her." Here's my card. Please call me when you get home, so I'll be assured that you're safe."

" Ryan, there's no..."

" She will, don't worry." Chloe said with a grin, earning a pinch from Ellie. Chloe took the card from me.

" Alright then. Bye, and drive safely. And I hope we'll meet again."

Ellie blushed a bit and her face reddened, making Chloe and I chuckle. She looked really adorable with the red face.