Addicted to You

VIII

Hermione checked the time again; the meeting had run longer than anticipated and she hoped she wasn't late. After the committee dispersed, she had returned to her cubicle to find everyone had already left. Opening the top button of her blouse and releasing her hair from the bun, she cracked her neck; she was tired but she had promised Ron to be at her best and most romantic self for their date.

He hadn't arrived yet so she decided to touch up her make up, squirt on some perfume as well. While refreshing her lipstick, she looked in her compact-mirror and gasped, finding someone standing right behind her. It was her boss, gawking to her discomfort. He smirked, seeing he had caught her by surprise.

"Hermione, you really did a great job today." he said, "I was hoping this might be a good time to discuss your future in this department?"

"Oh, um...actually," she stammered, "It is not really a good time...I have a-"

"Come to my chamber, if you would." he said ignoring her, "It's more comfortable there."

He gestured with his hands to allow her passage first, across the narrow corridor to his office-space. She bit her lip and followed suit, gazing uncertainly across the room. He stepped in after her, closing the door behind him, and her mouth instantly went dry. He insisted her to take a seat, which she did, but sat right at the edge of the chair.

"Sir, I-"

"Norman, please."

Hermione didn't think calling her boss by his first name would be appropriate- they weren't that well acquainted anyway, but she kept quiet, expecting him to say whatever he had to say so she could get out of there as soon as possible. But he sat there staring, his eyes flashing the darkest blue, and he sneered as he cast a leering look down her body. "At last, I have you on your own..." he said, and he slowly licked his lower lip.

Alarm bells started ringing loud and piercing in her head. Oh, fuck.

"I wanted to let you know, you really pleased me today."

Hermione was proud of her work too, she received much praise for the confidence she showed in the meeting but there was something else underlying his words. His lips twitched into a grotesque smile, and his eyes gleamed deep, dark cobalt, proving her suspicions.

Fear choked her. What is this? What does he want? From somewhere deep inside and despite her dry mouth, she found the resolve and courage to squeeze out some words, her self-defense 'Keep them talking' mantra circling her brain like an ethereal sentinel.

"Thank you, Mr. Bateman. But I'm actually in a hurry. I have a date...he's coming to pick me up." her voice was audible but hoarse, betraying her.

He smiled, a despotic 'You have nowhere to run' smile. His eyes glinted in the harsh fluorescent glow of the magical strip-light hovering above them in the claustrophobic, windowless room. He stood up, leisurely circling her and her fear escalated.

"You know I wasn't too sure when Arthur requested me to give you this job..." His voice trailed off as he strutted about, going round to her back. She didn't have any idea where this conversation was going, and she didn't trust him in the slightest. Some subliminal pheromone that he was exuding had her on high alert. This man was moody, volatile, and totally unpredictable.

"I gave you this job and I expect you to show me some gratitude. In fact, I'm entitled to it. I had to fight with others to give it to you. I could've gotten someone better qualified, but I- I saw something in you. So, we need to work out a deal. A deal where you keep me happy. Do you understand what I'm saying, love?" He put his hand suggestively on her shoulder and she flew out of her seat, alarmed.