Chapter 2 Jitters

Annika closed the door behind her and heaved a sigh of relief. That moment had been tense even though she had fought hard to keep a straight face. She had been talking to her employer, a multi-billionaire and well-known man from where she came from. Getting employed by Mikael Maverick was one thing, but getting to meet him was another level. She had thought that she would get to be his assistant. When she had gotten the acceptance email, she had jumped for joy. Never in a million years did she know that she would end up here. Being the secretary to the CEO of one of the most distinguished companies in the country.    Her luck was however cut short when she realized that Mikael was stepping down. She was going to be the secretary to his son who was meant to be the new CEO. Disappointment had hit her like she had run into a brick wall, but she had kept a straight face. Ashton, his name didn't look like someone who knew how to run a company. He looked so irresponsible and was also late. He smelled like alcohol and sweat, and his hair was ruffled. She had thought that the son of Mikael Maverick would be so extravagant like his father, but the drop of quality from him to his son was an eyesore. Maybe she was judging him too quickly.    Annika had seen the way he had been staring at her when she came in. She recognizes the mischief behind his smile vividly. She knew what he was. He was a playboy and dangerous which meant she had to be careful around him. She couldn't forget the reason she had moved to California. It had to start afresh. She had left a toxic environment in search of peace and fulfillment. A path which she was walking on now. Ashton was bad news and she was going to avoid him at all cost. But that seemed impossible because she was his secretary which meant that they would spend a lot of time together.    Annika scratched her forehead and leaned off the door as she headed back to her desk which was just outside the office. She took a seat and leaned against the chair. Whatever happened, she had to maintain a safe distance from Ashton.                                                ***           The elevator door binged and a female figure walked out of it. She stepped into the hallway and all eyes went to her. She was blonde and her beauty was stellar. She had a woven hat with shades on. Her pink sundress made her stand out from the rest of the workers. The contrast between hers and the workers' dressing was obvious. She swung her handbag as she made her way towards the polished wooden door up ahead.    Annika, who was busy with the computer, looked up and saw the girl approaching the office. She couldn't let her go in without informing Ashton first. The last thing she wanted was to get fired on her first day. Annika quickly rose to her feet as the girl arrived at the door.    "Excuse me," Annika greeted.    The blonde girl turned sharply to her and pulled down her shades with her index finger to look at Annika. Her blue eyes shone intimidatingly but it didn't fade Annika one bit.    "You can't just go in there," she added.    The blonde girl scoffed and took off her shades as she strode her way to Annika's desk. Annika gazed at her with authority as she arrived.    "And who are you?" the blonde girl asked.    Annika pointed at her name tag on the desk with sarcasm. The blonde girl chuckled as she read her name out loud.    "So you are the new secretary?" She asked.    "Yes," Annika replied. "And I need to know if you have made an appointment first."   "I don't need to book an appointment to see Ashton,"  the blonde woman said sassily. "And what happened to Irene?"   The wooden door behind them swung open and Ashton stepped out dressed without his suit jacket. The sleeves of his white shirt were folded as well. Both women turned to him. Annika was startled that Ashton had heard them. He looked a little more decent than before.    "Ashton," the blonde girl called, moving to him.     Ashton smiled at her.    "Lilith," Ashton responded.    Ashton had heard voices from the office and had wondered what ruckus was going on outside. He was surprised to see an altercation between Lilith and his new secretary.    "Can you believe that she asked me to book an appointment before I could see you?" Lilith said.    Ashton chuckled and looked at Annika. Annika's eyes fell to the desk.    "She's my friend and therefore she can see me anytime she pleases, okay?" Ashton said softly.    Annika was surprised that he had shouted at her. She brought her eyes up and saw Lilith sniff him. She tried to hold back the laughter that was eager to burst out her lips.    "Y...Yes sir," she replied.    Ashton flashed her a smile and went into the office. Annika sighed and got back to work. She didn't want to know who Lilith was to him. But it looked like they were a thing from the way she hugged him. Annika smacked her forehead and concentrated on her work.                                                      "