That Girl On a Motorcycle

F i v e

Ulric took the card and tucked it inside his pocket without a glance. The lovely Maude Zamora arched a brow at his display of disinterest, but said nothing as they entered the elevator. He simply watched her as she pressed the button for the twentieth floor. He could not resist admiring the way her clothes tightly clung to her curvaceous body. Black looked good on her sun-kissed skin. He wondered whether underneath her sophisticated attire, she’s wearing a matching black bra and panties as well. Were they lacy? She seemed like the type . . .

Just as the doors were closing, one employee ran towards them, waving at them to wait for him. Just as Maude reached for the open button, Ulric’s own hand shot forward and furiously pressed the close button.

The gorgeous woman beside him gave him a baffled look. “What are you doing?”

“Keeping you for myself.”

Ulric grinned in triumph when the employee didn’t make it. His grin widened at the rising temper of his companion. The tips of her ears were turning pink.

“That was rude!” she snapped, her dark eyes wide in disbelief. Maude looked like she wanted to hit him or something, and he almost braced himself from receiving one mean punch.

He shrugged. “It was fun.”

“Fun? That was immature!” She took three deep breathes before trying again. “I-I mean, sir, I don’t know where you came from, but you shouldn’t do that to other employees here.”

“But I am not an employee.” He chuckled at her attempt to act civil. “I am the director.” He inched closer to her, purposely invading her personal space, so that the top of her head reached his chin. She smelled like cappuccino. “Let’s do this again. Ms. Zamora, were you saying something?”

His intimidation was enough to spook any self-respecting man, but to his surprise, she met his goading look with one of her own.

“Just because you are top honcho doesn’t mean you get to bully those under you, sir.”

He internally smiled at the challenge she posted. She looked like she would not easily back away. Was she not afraid to lose her job? He remembered Perez mentioned in a passing that his secretary was a new graduate. How would she react if he fired her and then refuse to give her a recommendation? Would she curse him for life?

“Oh?” Both of his hands were inside his pant pockets. “Why is that?”

“Just because.”

“Just because?” he repeated, dumbly.

She gave him one icy look and then her dark eyes were hidden as she turned her face away. All he could see was the light being reflected from her red-rimmed glasses. “By the way, welcome to the Philippines, sir. I will go prepare your office while you attend your meeting.”

This ought to be interesting.

“Hey, secretary,” he grinned, silently amused to see how much she tried to hide her irritation. He liked her red spectacles. Red suited her. It fit her fiery temper. “I want you to come with me.”

It took her one torturous moment to answer, and just when she was about t reply, a soft ding! was heard. As soon as the doors opened, she stepped out of the elevator as if she just caught the plague.

They were greeted by a red-faced man who looked like he was going purple soon.

“Mr. Sebastian, you’re late!” Everyone within hearing range turned to see the fuming Mr. Perez.

Ulric simply stared at him, unconcerned. “Obviously.”

“Please be more responsible next time because we have investors – “

He coolly regarded the man. “Lead the way.”

The man blinked, his face still blotchy. “Excuse me?”

“I said lead the way.”

Mr. Perez entire body slackened, like a deflated balloon. “Oh, yes, of course, the meeting is just halfway and we can make it – “

Ulric’s gaze swept the entire floor, idly studying everyone as they do their daily routines.  A lot of them were gawking at him. “I’m tired. I won’t meet anyone. Just lead me to my office.”

“But everyone is in the conference room and waiting for your – “

He glanced at Maude, openly ignoring the senior manager. “Oh, and secretary?”

“I have a name and it is Maude, Mr. Sebastian,” she smiled as politely as she could.

“Ms. Secretary,” he emphasized, aware that deep inside she was seething. This is going to be fun. He raised a finger and gave her his most shit-eating smirk. “One black Americano. No sugar. And I don’t want the instant kind. I want mine properly brewed.”

To Mr. Perez, he merely raised a hand in an open gesture. “To my office, and be quick.”

#

To the guy with the worst personality ever, what do I do with you?

Hmm, so what do you think of the story so far?