FAKING LOVE (completed)

CHAPTER FIVE

NEHA
Just as he turned around, I saw a hint of a smile on his face. But it wasn't the normal 'oh she is going to be my assistant' one smile.

Rather, it said, 'let her know what she has gotten herself into'.

He takes off his vest and throws it at me. Or more specifically, at my face. A vest, which is literally soaking with sweat and smells like sweat and perfume.

On impulse, I caught it in my hands, but then realised what just happened and threw it back at him.

A rawwrrrr sound came out of me. I all but growled the words. "What was that!"

He was sitting on the rowing machine, hands resting on the handle bars. I was at a loss of words. But all I could think of was; swoon.

His brows rose in amusement. "What's your name again?"

I folded my arms across my chest, rather defiantly. "Neha. Do you often throw your sweaty vests at your workers?" I barked.

He laughed, shaking his head. "No, it's just you. Neha, uhmm hmm," he tried my name on his lips before beginning to row.

I had to peel my gaze off of him. It was wrong in so many ways to watch him like that.

"I asked you something," I stepped closer. I really needed to stop staring at him.

He wasn't even slightly breathless when he replied.
"Asked what? Why I tossed the vest at you? Well, for starters, you are my PA." I didn't like how he said his PA. "You are to do what I ask you to."

I couldn't help the little annoying scoff that escaped my lips. "Ask me to? I think I'm a bit lost here. Mind telling me what's your definition of ask?"

He stopped. Tilted his head to me. Abandoned rowing and got up, stalking towards me like a predator ready to kill its prey.

"Neha," he hissed, stepping in my personal space. "Your life would be a whole lot easier if you'd keep that—that damn mouth shut. Don't ever," I didn't know why I couldn't slap him, "ever talk to me like that."

His ego is even bigger than I imagined.

I move backwards, maintaining a good amount of distance between us. I need to get a few points clear here.

His grey eyes were fixed on me. I knew that, because that was the reason I looked down.

"You won't ever step in my personal space," I spoke confidently, standing my ground.

"Are we setting rules here, yeah?"

I nodded, still staring down at his bare feet. My first day at this job sucked. All the credit goes to Ilyas, this one arrogant boss of mine.

"So, why I threw this vest, you ask?"

"Yes."

"So you could wash it, stupid."

My eyes darted up. The utter shock would've been clear on my face. I started laughing without any humour.

"Are you actually kidding me? You better be joking," I said sternly.

He shrugged a bit. "Maybe. Maybe not."

This man was impossible. I couldn't even bare one minute here with his narcissistic personality. How would I stay by him tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, then the day after. And to be continued.

My knees went weak at that thought.

Just to get far away from him, I just gave up in his favour. Holding out a hand to him, I said, "Just give it to me. I'll get it cleaned."

He knowingly smirked at me. "I was kidding. But if you really insist, then be my guest." When I didn't say anything, he sighed. "Just get me a black coffee from the cafe next street."

Black coffee? That's so mainstream. Probably every boss in the world or a man with narcissistic ego and boastful personality sips black coffee.

"Sure," I replied flatly.

•~•

"Hi, um can I please get a regular black coffee please?" I smiled at the girl. I wanted to ask her to make it pathetic so my boss wouldn't like it, but I resisted on that one.

After all, I still really needed this job.

"Sure!" the girl smiled brightly at me.

After a few minutes of waiting, the coffee was in my hands; warm and ready to be devoured. The smell of muffins made my mouth water, but I didn't want to spend so much money on just a cupcake. Surely there would be something at the boutique? I really hoped so.

As I entered the building, my body relaxed against the mild warmth of the air. It was so chilly outside, save for the places with heaters.

"You came back quickly!" Aleena gushed clapping her hands. I walked up to her desk, smiling at her cheerful face. Her brown eyes twinkling with happiness.

"Yeah, there weren't many people there," I placed the coffee cup on the table.

She nodded towards the elevators. "Go, your job isn't to serve him coffee. I don't even get why he asked you. He usually gets it for himself or asks Steph to get it." She frowned at the coffee.

Oh, I knew exactly why he would ask me.

I found my boss nowhere. Not on the first, second, third, fifth or sixth floor. My legs were so tired from all the walking that I literally flopped onto the sofa on the sixth floor, which happened to be the shoes section.

"Oh, you're so pretty!" gushed a woman.

I immediately stood up, senses on high alert.
The woman was around in her fifties. Streaks of grey grew out from her roots, and that was the only hair showing. Barely half an inch. She was chubby, and tall, almost my height. She wore a long loose dress, looking amazing.

"Thank you. You are, too," I smiled at her.

She took my hands, not being able to keep the huge goofy grin off her face. She resembled Ilyas a lot, and I wondered if she were his mother.

"You're just the one I was looking for!" Her hands squeezed mine. I was so baffled. Nothing was making sense.

"Lets go up in his apartment," she pulled me towards the elevators. I noticed I spent my time in elevators more than anywhere else.

And, he has an apartment here! Is this a palace, or what?!