Game Player

17 - Alex

"You're early Marcello?" Alex reached to open her door, a warm smile on her face.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Alex."

The smile disappeared from her face as she looked up at Cal standing on her doorstep. "What are you doing here Cal? How do you know where I live?"

"Can I come in?"

"No - what can't wait until tomorrow during office hours? I am expecting company - whose arm did you have to twist to get my address?" She crossed her arms over her chest and glowered at him, conscious of her braless state and mini skirt.

"I would like to come in and have this conversation like an adult...." He paused. "Please."

"Fine - you have ten minutes. Take a seat." She said curtly, showing him into her lounge and sitting opposite him. "Fire away."

"How did you have prior knowledge of Shane's misconduct?" He asked, getting straight to the point.

"I just know....and if you came all this way to just ask me that question then you've wasted your time. You know where the door is." She said firmly.

"Were you the other unproven complaint?" He pressed.

"Cal I'm not discussing this with you." She got up and walked around his chair towards the door. He grabbed her wrist to stop her and tugged so she faced him.

"Were you the other complaint?" He repeated, searching her face for a reply.

"Let go of my wrist Cal. I don't owe you anything, especially not an explanation." She gritted, trying to pull her wrist free.

He tugged harder, pulling her onto the seat next to him. "I think I somehow misconstrued that situation that I stumbled across in Shane's office....am I right?"

"I really don't want to discuss this with you. Please leave it be. What's done is done." She replied calmly, tugging at her wrist and desperately wanting to put space between them.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. Reaching up to stroke her cheek.

She jerked her face away. "I don't understand why you're here. I don't need your apology. We've established that we have to work together and we're only accountable in that context."

He looked at her, his green eyes darkening. "I want us to at least like each other - let's start again Alex."

"We don't need to like each other - that won't achieve anything. I respect your business acumen but we're not friends and we never will be."

"I still want you." He said, plainly direct.

"So you've said - even with all my scheming and conniving. I'm flattered that you still lust after me even with all my disgusting faults." Alex retorted.

"Alex," he warned.

"Look - I accept your apology but really, you didn't need to come all this way. I have company arriving soon and would appreciate it if you leave now." Alex got up to show him the door but he tugged her back onto the seat.

"Are you dating Marcello?"

Alex frowned, "that is none of your concern."

"He's not enough for you."

"I'm not having this conversation with you," she said through gritted teeth.

"You need someone who'll fuck you until you can't walk and then talk to you about the direction of your company," Cal said calmly, factually.

"No - what I need is someone who doesn't insult me on a daily basis, someone who takes me out to dinner and engages in pleasant conversation - you don't know me, Cal."