She disengaged the kiss forcefully, got up from the bed and ran out of the room.
Ruby closed the door behind her after rushing out. She stayed behind the door looking restless and also surprised as she held her chest that was racing non stop
"What just happened in there? my boss just kissed me as in Mr Richard ?" She wondered shockingly
The door immediately opened revealing Richard. She made an attempt to talk but the words refused to form so she began to stammer until Richard came closer to her. She started moving backwards untill she was at the end of the wall before Richard came in front of her, staring at her
"B...boss....I'm....
He quickly placed his finger on her soft lips and she kept mute
"I'm sorry about that" he said sincerely
"What?"
"I'm sorry" he said again, removing his hand from her lips and she looked down
"It's ok" she replied still not recovering from the shock then he engulf her instantly into a tight embrace where she almost ran out of breath
"I'm sorry about this too but it's actually what I want to do. Five minutes will be ok so please stay calm" Richard said slowly
"But why?" Ruby found herself asking
" Maybe I just want to do it" he replied
She never talked again after that, she stood still and just counted the minutes
Till a maid came upstairs and interrupted
"Oh I'm sorry!" She quickly said as Richard broke the hug as the maid rushed downstairs
"You may not want to believe it but I'm fine now" he said with a smile
"It can't be" Ruby responded
" Feel my temperature" he said, bringing his head closer as she felt his forehead with the back of her palm and his temperature was back to normal
"How did it happen so fast?" Ruby asked
"You don't understand the healing power you carry when it comes to me" Richard said
She sighed and checked the time
" What!, Twenty minutes to nine" she said surprisingly
"Time moves fast" he said
"I should be on my way now since you're fine" she said
He nodded
"I'll take you home" he said
" No I'll just...
"I refuse no for an answer" he interrupted
"Oh Ok" she replied slowly then he held her hand, leading her out still adding to her shock. The two maids waved at her as they passed by them at the living room
"Wait" she said
"What?" He replied, looking back at her
"Should I prepare something for you?" She asked and he smiled
"Will you?"
She nodded
"I'll be done in thirty minutes time" she said and the maids showed her to the kitchen while Richard sat on one of the couch in the living room with a big smile on his face
He kept touching his lips whenever he remembers the kiss
"What are you preparing?' the maids asked Ruby while in the kitchen
"Cavato twist" she replied and they gave her the ingredients she needed while she started began cooking with seriousness
Some minutes later, it was ready so she set the dinning table and called him to come and eat
Richard sat and kept sniffing
"How appetizing" he said staring at her
"Sit" he said
She obeyed and sat on the chair next to him
He tasted the meal and his eyes showed how delicious it was
"Is it bad?" She asked
"If it is, then I won't be smiling, it's the best I've ever had Ruby, it's yummy" he said taking another bite
"I'm glad you like it" she said
" I don't like it, I love it, and by the way, why don't we eat together" he said.
" Sir?
"Eat with me" he requested looking at her
"I'm satisfied Sir" Ruby lied because she has not had dinner
"Not when its visible on your face that you're lying" Richard said
"If you insist Sir i'll just have a bite" Ruby said carrying a fork as she digged in and took a bite before dropping the fork.
Perhaps because of the shock, she felt shy to eat with him
"Sir, I'll have to be on my way now" Ruby stood up and Richard dropped his as well and they went out together.
He collected the key from his driver and Ruby went to open the car door for him but he beat her to it. Ruby looked at him confused because that was the second time he did something like that.
"Get in, I'll drive you myself" he said
She got in and the drive to her house began. It was awkward at first because the both of them were silent untill Richard eventually spoke
"So, I was saying something the other day about transforming because of you, and I'm serious about it" Richard said
"But why would you change because of me" Ruby aaked
"Won't you be pleased if I transform my horrible personality?' he asked
"You're not horrible Sir you're just principled" Ruby said looking at him
" Really?"
"I can say that again, you're a perfect boss" she replied with a short smile
"I really want to tell you something" Richard said
" What is it Sir?'
"Seems you're the only one I can confide in right now apart from Julius"
"But you can also confide in your brother too and your fiancee as well" Ruby said but he smiled briefly
"I could have, but not anymore, those two are traitors. I caught them both making out last night" Richard said without feeling of remorse
" What"
" Don't be very surprised, they don't deserve it" Richard said
" But...
"Ruby just chill, I'm not hurt by Valerie's deeds because I think I stopped loving her ever since someone appeared I'm just disappointed in Albert my brother. I know he's like that but not to the extent of having carnal knowledge of the girl he knows I was dating.
" Similar thing happened to me" Ruby said sadly
" What?"
"I caught my boyfriend last night with a girl he introduced to me as his cousin, it was so painful and I'm still pained even till now, I sacrificed a lot for Kelvin, I don't merit all the ill-treatment he metted out on me" Ruby said slowly, fighting back her tears and Richard stopped the car and faced her
"Listen to me Ruby, guys like him are fools that don't deserve an angel like you, that's why it ended the way it did. I know Valerie doesn't also deserve me, that's why we ended like that too so don't waste your precious tears on someone like that" Richard said, bringing his thumb to her face as he wiped the tears that fell from her eyes
"Thanks boss" she said
"Cry no more ok"
"Thanks you so much boss" she said again
"Now, can you at least smile?" he said and Ruby managed to smile a bit
" That's the spirit, keep smiling Ruby it makes you look more beautiful" Richard said staring at her intensely
They continued staring at each other for a while until Ruby looked away from him then he resumed driving untill he got to her house
"Thanks boss, and don't fall sick again" she said but he smiled and stroked her hair gently
"Sure goodnight" he said
She came out of the car and Richard ensured she went in before he left
When Ruby got inside, she bit her lips as she stayed behind the door, remembering the kiss
"He tasted like mint" she said smiling then, closed her eyes and opened it, unable to know the reason why he kissed her like that.
Suddenly, the lights came on revealing Janet who was seated on the bed
"You scared me!" Ruby almost shouted but Janet laughed out loud
"So how was life at your boss'es house?" Janet inquired as Ruby sat beside her on the bed
"Well, it was normal" Ruby replied simply
"Don't be silly girl I want the full gist" Janet said, pulling closer towards her and Ruby laughed at her
"Gists won't the end of you" Ruby said
"Of course it won't so just start talking already because my ears are itching badly"
"Ok, I met him in a terrible State as his temperature was very high. So I offered a lot of things to help ease his temperature but he declined so when I offered to give him his medicine, he grabbed my hand and... Ruby couldn't finish as she was interrupted by Janet's phone which rang revealing julius as the caller.
"I need to pick this" Janet said,
"Hey Julius"
"Hi Janet"
"It's late, why did you call?"
"Well, just to hear your sweet voice before going to bed" Julius replied
" How sugar coated" she replied with a chuckle
"Nope, it's from my heart" he said
"Whatever so how was your day?" She asked
" Cool and yours?"
" Not bad. Julius, I have to go be in bed now" Janet told him
"Alright good night and have a sweet dreams"
"Same" Janet replied before hanging up
She smiled to herself and looked back at Ruby who was fast asleep!
The next morning, Ruby got to work and surprisingly, there was a bouquet of flower on her desk
"Who could it be? oh my God, I love flowers" Ruby said laughing out loud until Richard came into her office with a big smile on his face but it vanished the moment he saw her holding flowers
"Who gave you that?" He asked
"I don't know Sir I just saw it on my desk" she replied
"Andrew" his mind said before exiting her office.
He went to his office and descended on his chair angrily
"She was on my mind last night, I couldn't sleep, I kept thinking about her then that jerk decided to ruin my mood with that ugly flower of his" Richard said angrily
He decided to calm down bit hence he has lots of files to access that morning including the ones rescheduled from yesterday. He did that for almost two hours then he felt pressed. He left his office and strolled to Ruby's desk after where he kept staring at her nonstop
"Is there anything you want me to do for you sir?" Ruby asked
"Not really" he replied casually before it occurred to him that he has a restroom in his own office and he went back instantly, with Albert following behind him
"What are you doing here?" Richard asked harshly
"Come on bro i don't think all this is necessary. Ok I'm sorry, I only wanted to try out my luck on her to see if she'll give in and she did, I attempted seducing Ruby and Janet too but they didn't fall for it so Valerie was just a whore" Albert replied
"That doesn't change the fact that you betrayed me, what if I was still in love with her, you would have given me a heart attack Albert, I just detest you right now" Richard said angrily
" Rich, for God's sake be matured " Albert screamed
" I don't want to be matured so get out of my office" Richard said, sitting down without sparing him a glance
" He must be very angry at him, this is the first time he'll ever raise his voice at him" Ruby thought while she heard them talking from her office
Instantly, Someone walked into her office and she looked up at the person
"Andrew?" Ruby called surprisingly but his eyes went to the flowers then he smiled before taking her hand.
"I have something to tell you" Andrew said
"As you can see, I'm very busy and my boss must not see you" Ruby said to him
"Just give me Five minutes Ruby, I promise I'll let you go" Andrew said and pulled her out before she even answered
He took her to the rooftop and stood facing her
" Do you like the flower?" He inquired
"So you were the person that kept it and you brought me here just to ask if I liked it?" Ruby fired angrily
" Actually there's more" he said, connecting their eyes
"Then?" She said
"I want you to go on a date with me" Andrew said to her
Immediately Albert exited the office, Richard gave a sigh of relief
"Pure bastard" Richard said slowly before going out to check up on Ruby. He really has it in mind to make her eat lunch together with him but she wasn't in her office.
"Where could she have gone without telling me?" Richard thought before walking towards the hall and saw the accountant
"Have you by chance seen Ruby? I mean my secretary" Richard asked
"Yes sir I saw her talking to a guy at the rooftop some minutes ago" The accountant replied
" Thanks, you may leave" Richard sad to the accountant
" Oh Andrew" Richard called in anger before climbing the stairs that leds to the rooftop
Truly they were both there, staring at each other until Ruby saw him then her eyes widened
"Now Andrew you've landed me into trouble" Ruby said as Richard walked up to them
"Mr, do you have an ear infection?" Richard asked
"No I don't" Andrew replied
" Then do you mean to tell me that you weren't paying attention the other day when I told you that she wasn't a giveaway package, she's my secretary" Richard said authoritatively
" But that does not mean she doesn't have the right to meet others" Andrew answered
" Of course she can see others but you're not among the others. You even have the efrontery to keep a flower on her desk now listen Andres this is the second time I'm warning you to stay away from my secretary. Trust me, the final one won't be simple as this" Richard said and grabbed Ruby's hand
He took her straight to his office while has the I'm sorry look on her face
"I'm sorry Sir he said it was only for five minutes but I never knew it'll take so long" Ruby pleaded
"I thought I warned you to stay away from him" Richard said coming closer to her
"I'm sorry boss, I'll take any punishment" she said
"Really? he asked still moving closer to her but she shifted back until she got to his desk and he stopped in front of her, scanning her face for long before concentrating on her tender lips
"The next time you permit Andrew to touch you again..
"He just touched my hand" she interrupted
"It doesn't matter as long as it's a part of your body. So anytime you allow him to touch you again like I was saying, this will be your punishment" Richard said and took a quick look of her lips then he pulled her closer by her waist and pressed his lips on her lips in a short kiss.
He disengaged from the kiss almost immediately and observed her facial expression but she saw that she looked shocked again.
She wanted saying something but the words got stuck in her throat then, Richard moved his hands to her hips just like he did the previous night, placed his hands on her hips and took her lips in a deeper kiss.
"Boss" Ruby called into his mouth gradually closing her eyes
Ruby kissed him back this time around and it went deeper. His hands left her hips and moved to her butt and it stayed there throughout as their lips kept battling in each other's mouths.
But she disengaged when she felt it wasn't right, their lips made a sound as it disconnected and she ran out of the office just like she did in his house the previous day.
Richard licked his lips and wished it never ended
"I love her" he thought, feeling his racing heart.
He smiled afterwards and kissed the ring on his finger before taking his seat.
Ruby held her chest tight immediately she got to her desk
She has never felt like that way before, not even when she had her first kiss with Kelvin this was something that felt entirely different.
"Ok Ruby, you're going insane what should I do?" She thought, as she found herself licking her lips that has a little swell is on her lips, as a result of the kiss. Just then, Janet entered the office.
"Girlfriend" she beamed, dropping some files on Ruby's table
Ruby had to hide her lower lip which was swollen so that Janet won't notice anything hence she is quick in observing things.
"Give it to your boss, it needs his final signature" Janet said to her and Ruby just replied with a nod
" Don't tell me your throat is sore that you can't talk, drink some water" Janet said, noticing her muteness but Ruby smiled, her outlook made Janet to hit her palms on Ruby's desk
"Talk to me" she said
"Oh Jane, can't you just leave already? Ruby thought silently
"Wait, why are you hiding your lower lip since, don't tell me you got a swell on it as a result of.....
"A kiss" Ruby finally said.
"OMG it's all red as a result of the swell, so... You and your boss...
"Yes we did, are you happy now?" Ruby asked frowning
"Of course Ruby, I'm happy, so did he confess to you already? "
" Confess what?, No" Ruby replied
" Don't tell me you still have no idea on what's going on" Janet asked
"What?
"ouch!, This ignorance again" Janet said bringing her mouth closer to Ruby's ear
" Now tell me, who will kiss a girl he doesn't love. Richard is in love with you my dear, just accept it or leave it but I can bet on anything that you feel something for him too so, be happy my friend.
I'll see you later" Janet said and hurried out of the office while Ruby hissed and stared into space.
"No wonder my heart beats irregularly anytime he's around and no wonder my body reacts to his moves, no wonder he told me to avoid Andrew, jealousy?, No wonder he kissed me twice already. Ruby what will you do now? Is he really in love with me?" She thought again.
Richard suddenly came out of his office
"When is my next meeting?" He asked and Ruby swallowed hard before answering
"You're free now sir till tommorow. I've forwarded it to you already" she replied awkwardly
" Oh ok have you had lunch?" He asked
" No" she replied
" What do you want to eat? "He asked but she hesitated before replying
"Ofada Rice" she said
"I think I'll have that too" he replied and made a phone call, ordering for it
" Come in" he said, going into his office then she sighed and followed him behind him. He sat and she kept standing
He looked at her
"Ruby, I don't need to tell you to sit before you'll do that" he said, almost pleading then she took her seat in front of him before her heart started the wild beats again. He focused on his laptop while working on it and using a part of his eyes to steal glances at her which she caught him severally but kept mute.
The order came and he went to the door to receive it. He placed it on the table together with a drink before grabbing two cups from his office cellar and poured the drink. He took one of the pie and gave it to her before taking his as well
"Enjoy" he said, pressing the laptop so fast and eating at the same time while Ruby kept staring at him
"Ain't you going to eat?" He asked even without looking at her
and she immediately started eating
"Good" he said as he resumed typing on his system
"You seem agitated" she said and he finally looked up from the laptop and sighed
"It's someone who is threatening us about a contract again,
"Is he someone influential?" Ruby inquired..
"Yes but not compared to us, he's just making empty threats which I'm sure he'll quit sooner" Richard replied and took a bite of the pie
The way he chews gently makes him look more adorable and she smiled but he caught her
"Ruby, what is it?"
"Its nothing just that you have a distinct way of eating" she said awkwardly and he smiled
"A lot of people complimmented about that already, but yours swept me off my feet" Richard replied and winked making her to
almost choke on her food just like the last time because of the wink. She immediately grabbed a drink quickly and gulled it down to avoid chocking completely.
The crumbs of the pie was in her lips and when Richard looked at her innocent face he stood with the intention of removing it with a kiss but he decided not to give her another shock so he
carried a tissue and wiped her lips with it which made her to
continuously stare at him untill he decided to break the silence
"Am I that handsome?" He said, sitting down after he finished wiping her lips but she looked away
"I'm just greatful" Ruby said slowly and he smiled again.
"Hi can you step out, I'm in front of your company" Julius said to Janet on phone
"I need to have lunch now moreover, you should have called before coming" she replied, staring at the laced yam and juice on her desk
"We can just go eat lunch together" Julius said while Janet sighed
" Alright, I'll be out in a jiffy" she replied and went out to meet him
Albert wasn't in the office so she was free to step out. She met Julius outside beside his car
"You should have at least come in to say hi to your friend" she said
"Richard? no, i really don't have the energy to argue with him today" he replied
" But hold on you didn't even give me a hug ?" Julius said while Janet Rolled her eyes at him
" Where are we going for lunch?" She asked
"Focal's, it's a new but classic restaurant so let's hit the road" he said, opening the door for her.
His driver started the ride to the restaurant
"Whoa!" She exclaimed when they got to the restaurant
"It's not very big but it looks so nice"
"I told you, see you like it* Julius said
They went in together and sat then a waiter went to take their orders. When Janet read the menu, she smiled
"I and Ruby were meant to have a lunch of Ofada rice together but it's sad I'll have to eat it alone" she said
" I'm here" Julius replied
She smiled
"Ofada rice please, and a bottle of Chapman" she said
"You sound like you like Chapman a lot" Julius said
"it's my best soft drink" she replied with a smile
"Give me same thing like she ordered" Julius said to the server who left afterwards.
"So what should we talk about? Ok, are your parents here in Lagos?" She asked but he smiled sadly
"They died in a plane crash long ago, so I'm all alone" he replied and Janet felt bad for asking him such a question
"I'm so sorry about that" she said
"It's ok, what about you?" He asked
"My parents died too, since I was little" she replied
" I'm sorry" he said
"It's alright. I really wanted to ask this, we all know chairman Peak died five years ago...
"Not just a normal death, he died of stroke on a wheelchair, and ever since then Richard has been suffering from migraine and concerning Albert, he wasn't like this about ladies he only became like that after his father's death as well" Julius interrupted
" How pathetic that they lost their father but what about their mum, I mean the chairwoman" Janet asked and Julius smiled but it disappeared. immediately she asked the question
" I guess you'll meet her soon, I just have a feeling she'll be back very soon" he replied as their orders arrived
" Where does she reside? And what kind of a person is she?" Janet inquired
" Trust me you don't want to know anything about her but let me hint you a little. Have you ever heard of a useless mother? she's a true definition of that because she smokes cigarettes, drinks to stupor, clubs all night, she's hot tempered and detest being tampered with. She left Lagos after chairman's death five years ago, and no one knew where she went to and you know what? Her two sons hate her like no other, madam Sylvia is a devil sorry to say"Julius replied scooping his rice
" That's horrible" Janet said.
After their Lunch Julius took Janet back home and later at night, she recounted how her outing went with Julius and the conversation they had.
"So you mean their mum is still alive?" Ruby said after Janet told her the story
" Yes oo my dear she is still alive" Janet replied
" But what type of a mother abandons her children after her husband's death"
"Even without seeing her, I'm already getting afraid of her" Janet said
" I don't know why I'm not afraid, as Long as she's human" Ruby replied
" So did you later eat lunch?" Janet asked
" Yes, I had lunch with my boss" she replied
" How sweet. Just relax, everything will be fine" Janet assured
" But do you think another relationship is the best for me now?, It's only been three days that I came out of one" she said
"Calm down homey, he loves you and i can guarantee that but if it's about Valerie...
"He broke up with Valerie already because he caught her cheating with her brother" Ruby interrupted
"What" Janet shouted
" Yes but I'm still afraid of bitches because they don't give up easily" she said
"Just don't be a weakling" Janet said with a smile
" You're the best friend in the whole world" she said and her phone rang revealing the caller as her Boss and she responded
immediately
" Ruby, I just hope I'm not disturbing your sleep" Richard asked
" No I'm not yet asleep" Ruby replied
"Oh really have you eaten dinner?"
" Yes I ate spicy spaghetti" she replied
"That's nice. I called to feel your warmth" he said
"You can't possibly feel a person's warmth from the phone" she said
"I know what I'm talking about Ruby. By the way, I'll be coming to work late tommorow so stay in my office throughout" he instructed
" Yes sir" she replied
" I'm happy i didn't have to repeat myself" he said and they both laughed out loud
"Alright, you can go to bed now because as early to bed is early to rise and make sure you sleep like a cute puppy" Richard said
"I will bye" Ruby hung up blushing heavily.
The next day, at mid-day Ruby yawned softly after doing almost half of the work for the day. Richard said he'll come late and it's midday already, but he has not yet arrived. Ruby was about calling him then the door opened, revealing Valerie and Ruby stood immediately she entered.
Valerie kept her bag on the table, giving Ruby a muderous look
"What are you doing in my fiance's office" Valerie demanded with arms akimbo
"Ask me that again" Ruby said to her
"Did you just talk back at me? Like seriously you've developed wings but you know what? I'm here to clip those wings for you fiancee snatcher!" Valerie vibrated grabbing Ruby's shirt attempting to tear it off her body.
"Stop this madness Valerie" Ruby cried as she struggled with her
"No I won't, bitch how dare you sit here when we haven't even broken up, he's only angry at me. Moreover, he told me already that no matter happens or what I do, he'll forever be in love with me so stop being cheap and stop offering yourself to him you slut" Valerie ranted and successfully tore Ruby's shirt, and it exposed a part of her bra.
She attempted to slap her but Ruby held her hand so she used the advantage to slap her with her second hand and Ruby's face became red instantly and her eyeballs weren't exceptional as well.
Valerie dragged her hair and Ruby struggled hard to break free but Valerie was too strong for her.
Suddenly, the door opened revealing Richard with a bag but he threw it on the floor when he saw the scene before him. He rushed to the scene and snatched Ruby from Valerie
He was shocked seeing Ruby's face and eyes all red and swollen,
her shirt was torn and her hair was scattered, making her appear pitiful then instantly, Ruby ran out of the office
"Ruby, Ruby!" Richard called and wanted to go after her but Valerie held his hand. He looked back at her with hatred filled eyes, if anger could make one run mad, he'd be in shackles by now.
"Richard, please just look at me one more time, I promise to make it up to you" Valerie said to Richard but she instead received a thunderous slap on her right cheek by Richard. She held her face tight and in shock because Richard will always say he'll never hit a lady.
"Richard, did you just slap me?" Valerie asked in shock
"Relax you whore, there's still more" he said and slapped her other cheek as well
He carried her bag afterwards, grabbed her arm roughly and dragged her out of the office before pushing her out carelessly which made her fall then he flinged her bag at towards her.
"Slut, shameless girl if you ever reveal your face in my house on in this office again, I'll kill you" Richard said as he banged the door. He began searching for Ruby since she's wasn't in her office.
He searched the restrooms as well but she wasn't there either then he decided to check Janet's office
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