Chapter 3 Chapter 03
Averie sprang up from her sleep panicking.
She gripped the duvet tightly as she glanced over the warm body in bed with her.
“Shit! Mr.Graham!” Her eyes widened in disbelief “Did I sleep with him?” Averie’s hand went over her mouth in shock.
She snapped when she saw his brows creased in some kind of discomfort “I hate you Sabrina” she cussed.
“How did we end up here?” she said as she scantily put on her dress. She packed her belongings and tiptoed out of the room barefoot.
Averie finished dressing up in the elevator, in fact she was grateful when she couldn’t find anyone else inside before entering. As she stepped outside the luxurious hotel, she felt safe.
“I just want to live freely this time! Why did I get dragged into this?”
QUINNS HOUSEHOLD
Averie got home very tired. On getting to her room, she picked up her phone and collapsed on her bed weakly. Checking her phone, she saw 20 missed calls from her boyfriend.
“Oh right, Tyler!” she cried out.
“What have you done stupid Averie? You’ve been starving your boyfriend only to sleep with his brother instead” She angrily threw her phone to the side.
“The only person I feel sorry for is you Tyler. I broke up with you to make my parents happy and in this life again, I betrayed you.” Tears filled her eyes.
Wallowing in her guilt, a knock came on her door— “Averie are you in there? Mr.Graham has come visiting” her mother’s voice sounded from outside.
Darian stood before the tall overhead window, his sharp gaze fixed on the little area left of the Quinns' property. His long tailored white coat that extends almost to the floor screams a regal outlook; Snatched by the waist with a tuxedo base and a silver brooch on the left part of his chest.
Averie descends the stairs with caution, her lips slightly parted for the hot air to escape, lest it suffocates her.
“Mr.Graham” Her voice came, short and cautious.
Darian Graham slowly turns, his eyes frosted with anger.
The chilly air emanating from her boss made Averie look away in fear, only then did she notice her elder sister, Sabrina staring at her murderously. And Jay, Darian’s secretary.
“I want to believe everything that happened this morning was a misunderstanding…” he started.
“My assistant here will discuss the details with you. Your sense of responsibility will determine our future collaboration” his hand raised to adjust his cufflinks, in quiet precision. Then his cold gaze shifted to Averie.
“Miss Averie, we should talk,” he demanded with brows raised in a questioning manner.
“Uh?!” Averie exclaimed.
Her parents flashed her a stern smile.
“This way sir… uhm… to the garden” she stuttered.
“To your room” He gestured.
“Right away” She responded fearfully, turned around to lead the way.
Averie quickened her pace, gritting her teeth in embarrassment.
The mighty Darian Graham walked to a corner of her room while
Averie watches in tension; The way his hair was perfectly pushed back, styled with the same deliberate care as his wardrobe. There’s no doubt her boss is a fine man but not for once had she tried to think further about him.
Lost in the sense of her exploration, Darian turned swiftly, his gaze meeting hers! With frosty gray eyes that could see right through her soul, everything in her stilled— Her breath. Her thoughts.
“Did you set this up?” his voice snapped her from the trance. Her big brown balls fell on a clear picture of them entering a hotel.
“How did… when?” she stuttered.
“Oh.” A line appeared between his brows “Someone fled before I woke up this morning, probably out of guilt. Without saying a thank you” he said.
Averie remained confused “We were at the party last night… that’s all I remember” she lied, blinking repeatedly.
“I couldn’t help you in that uncomfortable space last night so I took you to my suite. I never expected you and your parent to arrange a reporter for a setup up” he explained in a calm tone.
“What? That’s not true, I promise” she tried to explain.
“Then did you act alone?” he probed.
“This is what happened with Sabrina… Oh God I don’t want this” she muttered under her breath.
“I know you’re dating my brother Averie Quinn so why did you offer yourself to me?” he started approaching her.
“I think there’s a mix-up somewhere Mr.Graham… I” she gulped.
“Your family is full of desperate people. Either you or your sister, as long as the goal is achieved…” he covered the space between them, grabbed Averie by the waist, and pushed her to the wall, pinning her down. “Correct?” he huffed.
“If you desire a promotion, you could have asked.” his hold on her waist softened slightly. With their faces inches apart, Averie was melting badly—She had never been this close to him before.
She noticed a foreign expression flashed in his eyes— Anger, desires… dark ones.
“Anyways, I didn’t touch you last night. A cold bath helped you out” he explained to her with a bored look.
“Really?!” Averie was surprised but relieved.
“You’re fired Averie Quinn” His words came, resolutely. With that, he stepped away from her and walked out of the room.
She thought she was dreaming.
DOWNSTAIRS
Darian arrived downstairs but didn’t spare the family a glance.
“Is it sorted?” he questioned as he walked, his accent strong.
“We offer our deepest apologies, Mr.Graham. The news will be blocked everywhere” they uttered in unison.
“Yes boss” Jayden responded.
They left.
Mrs.Quinn broke down in tears “I have ruined everything, honey!”
“Didn’t I warn you both about your petty tricks? We only managed to land this project with him, thanks to Averie working there. Now there’s no chance for future collaboration again” Mr.Quinn lamented coarsely.
“I told you to keep your eyes on him after you gave him that drink but you were too foolish!” Diana, Mrs.Quinn pointed an accusing finger at Sabrina.
“It wasn’t my fault. I saw… oh I get it now. It’s all because of that bitch! She ruined our plan just because she helped the family for once!” She yelled.
Sabrina pushed away from her mother’s grip. She dashed towards Averie’s room to challenge her. But just as she was about to twist the knob, Averie appeared with her big luggage.
“Where do you think you’re going slut?!” She grabbed her luggage and dropped it from the stairs, making it tumble over. Next she landed a resounding slap on her face.
“You slept with him, didn’t you?”
With her palm on her cheek, she looked up at Sabrina, full of anger. She slapped her two times hard on the face. The sound echoed in the room along with shock filled gasp.
“I just got fired! Is that enough explanation?”
“How dare you?” Mrs.Quinn roared.
