Beauty And The Beast

Chapter 6

"Wake up sleepy head" I whispered into her ear.
Her eyes opened a bit and I think she realized where she is and who is waking her up.
"Oh" she whispered and sat up.
"Get up. I'm taking you somewhere. Dress formally" I said kissing her forehead and leaving the room.
I sat behind the counter and waited. After 20 minutes she stood before me.
She was dressed in a soft pink silk blouse with a bow around her neck and a black pencil skirt. Her gorgeous legs were emphasised with black heals.
"Seriously?" I asked in surprise.
"You don't like it? I'll go.." she muttered looking down.
I grabbed her waist and stopped her before she ran away.
"No. I was thinking forget the surprise let's go see if I can untie that bow" I said with a smirk.
She blushed and looked away.
"You are a godess. Let's go before I really change my mind."
My car was already parked on the driveway and we took off. Half an hour later we were in front of the company. I opened the door for her and she smiled modestly.
All eyes were on her as soon as we entered. Whispers, meaningful looks and men drooling over her.
Lilly was behind her desk.
"Good morning Mr. Carter. I set everything up for a meeting. People are expecting you" she said with a smile.
"Thank you Lilly. I don't think you've met my wife? Elena Carter" I said putting my hand on her back.
They both smiled and shook hands.
"Welcome. It's nice to finally meet you" Lilly said.
"Likewise" Elena replied.
"Let's go" I said and motioned to the conference room.
Elena followed me in silence.
We entered the conference room and my father along with Elena's stared at us. I guess they didn't expect us to get along.
My Board members were already seated, waiting for my big announcement with fear and expectations.
"Are we all here?" I asked switching to my bussiness mode.
I felt Elena stiffen next to me. She didn't like me as a bussiness man.
"As you all have been informed I have an announcement to make. Our finance manager retired and I am unfortunately forced to find a new one. I present to you Elena Carter, our new finance manager" I said smiling.
Everyone's face went blank. Including our father's and Elena's. Everyone just stared at me until Brad gained the courage to ask.
"Are you sure James? I mean, what qualifications does she have, except the title of your wife? Is she suitable for the job?" He asked standing up.
Elena must be hurt by his words. A quick glance in her way confirmed that.
"Elena is more than qualified for this job. If you want I can email you her CV. And another thing. If you ever plan on talking about my wife that way, feel free to search for a new job" I said stricktly and he just sat down.
"This is my company and the best interest of the bussiness is my best interest also. If anyone has any more questions feel free to ask."
Everyone remained quiet.
"Very well. That would be all gentlemen. Thank you" I said and dragged Elena out of there.
We went into my office.
"I've never been here" she said quietly.
I nodded.
"You'll get a chance to be here more often from now on."
She looked out the window and I couldn't not see the hurt in her eyes.
"Elena, do you want to work?" I asked a bit harsh.
"Yes but I'm not willing to pay for it with my dignity" she whispered.
"Elena" I said softly and approached her.
Her eyes were closed and full of tears.
"Look at me" I said.
She didn't.
"Please, look at me" I pleaded and she opened her eyes.
Tears rolled down her cheeks and I sighed.
"I didn't want to throw you to the lions. I'm sorry. Brad can't control his mouth sometimes. I've seen your CV and I've seen the finance revision you did. It was flawless. Besides I didn't think you'd want to sit at home and wait for me to come."
She shook her head.
I wiped her tears with my thumb and caressed her cheeks.
"Thank you" she said looking at me.
I nodded and smiled.
"Come, I'll show you your office" I said but she stopped me.
She stood on her toes and pressed her lips against mine. I was shocked. She moved away quickly and rubbed her palms.
"I'm sorry, I got carried away" she said quietly.
"It's okay. You don't need to apologize for kissing your husband" I said smiling.
I took her hand and led her to the 10th floor. I opened the door and let her in.
"This is now all yours. If you have any questions or feel insecure about anything feel free to ask the employees or me."
She nodded and walked to her desk.
"Do you like it?" I asked.
She nodded fiercly.
A knock on the door startled me.
"Yes?" I asked.
Dad and Mr. Douglas entered the office.
"James, you.." Dad said, obviously confused.
Mr. Douglas remained quiet.
Elena seemed afraid. I motioned for her to come to me. I grabbed her shoulder and held her close.
"If you two dissagree with my decision don't say anything. I've made up my mind and no one is going to change that" I said roughly.
Dad smiled widely.
"See? I told you. I told you Elena was good for him" Mr. Douglas said smiling.
"James, I wanted to tell you I'm proud of you. You've made a decision in the best interest of the company and you have protected your wife. I'm really proud" he said pulling me into a hug.
"Are you two okay?" Mr. Douglas asked Elena.
"Everything is fine dad" she whispered looking down.
"Mr. Douglas I can promise you I'm taking good care of your daughter" I said seriously.
He nodded.
"I know you are. Oh, call me Stephen, please" he said hugging Elena.
I nodded and shook his hand.
They left and I noticed Elena's cheeks were bright red.
"What?" I asked amused.
She shook her head.
"I'm taking you to lunch, to celebrate" I said and she smiled.
We went to a great restaurant and Elena enjoyed it. After that we went for a walk. Her fingers were entwined with mine.
"Hold on" I said quietly.
"Yes?" She asked lifting her eyebrows.
"Elena, I really like you. I want you to be happy here. In our house. With me. If there is anything I could do just tell me" I confessed.
"You think I'm not happy with you?"
"I don't know. You seem tense everytime I'm around you. You stiff up."
"I'm tense because I like you too. Your presence has a huge effect on me. I can't help myself" she said looking away.
I held her cheeks in my palms.
"You like me?" I asked.
She nodded.
I captured her lips with mine and she opened up to give me acces to her tongue. We played for a while when she pulled away.
"Let's go home" she said, leaning her head on my shoulder.