Chapter-7

Layla Alberto's POV

It's been one week. One whole week since the break up news of Ben and Miranda has spread the news. One week of hell for me. Ellie was right when she said we are going to have a hard time. I don't know about her, but this past week he has put me through so much.

Layla! I want this presentation prepared right now!

Layla! Taste my coffee and make sure it's sweet enough!

Layla! Come pick me up from the bar, I am drunk!

Layla! Help me button up the shirt I have to finish reviewing this contract!

He has been using this break up to his advantage.

Ugh! Layla! Layla! Layla! I hate my name!!!

He is flirting so badly with me. I couldn't even say anything since now I have committed myself to this internship. Max has promised that he will get Papa to talk to me if I take this seriously. I can't stop Ben too even as I am trying. I can't stop him with the excuse of him having a girlfriend.

Oh! The headline news!!

Max and Miranda are everywhere on the news. The pictures of them kissing has blown up the internet. I want to say I kind of feel bad for Ben since he got cheated on, but I don't. I have met Miranda last night. She. Is. A. Delight! I didn't know she is a fan of me. She was extra excited to meet me, but not excited to meet my brother. I definitely sensed a chemistry there, but they are not together yet.

I asked Max about it and he said they are not together. Like I am going to believe that, Max! You have it bad with Miranda!

The only thing that has put a smile on my face this week is Ronny. He hasn't stopped sending flowers which makes Ben so angry, but he can't do anything about it. Though the flowers have stopped coming in since last two days.

"Bitch! Answer that damn phone!" Jenna's voice knocks me out of my thoughts. She has come over last night. We got drank and danced last night. Of course at my house. I cannot afford going to a club right now. I blew through my four thousand dollar and I have only one thousand dollars in my bank account. I moan as I turn over pushing her leg off mine. Moving my hair out of the face, I answer it.

"Hello." Anyone can tell I am hung over.

"Good morning to you too." Ben's happy voice greets me and I want to whine and throw the phone. His voice certainly does wake me up. I grunt. "Layla, come to my house by 9 O'clock. I have a meeting to attend and we have to work on the details."

"But it's Sunday." My excuse almost comes out like a whine.

"So? I expect you by 9 at my house." I am about to respond and he cuts the call.

Well one thing hasn't changed since this past week and that is he is still an asshole. I fall back on the bed.

"What does he want?" Jenna asks.

"How do you know it's him?"

"You grunted and you face looks like you want to punch someone."

"He wants me to come over by 9."

"Oh. What's the time now?" She asks. I look at the phone

"It's 8:30." I am about to close my eyes when I open them wide and I sit up awake. "It's 8:30!"

"Girl! My head!" Jenna turns over and pulls the blanket over her head.

I get out of the bed and brush quickly before getting ready. I throw on a light blue bodycon dress that looks formal and brush my hair. Taking my laptop I get in the car and start driving to his house. This is the first time I am going to his house. He has messaged me the address.

Once I reach there, I get on the lift and go up to his house. It is the penthouse suite and I knock on the door. A middle aged woman opens the door and gives me a kind smile. I smile back.

"Hi! I am here for Mr. Hender-"

"Oh, I know dear! He told me you were coming today. I never thought I would see the Nation's Princess today. Come in!" She opens the door wide. I step in. "My grand kid is able to complete his scholarship provided by your Trust fund. I can't tell you how thankful I am."

"He must be quite an intelligent boy." I don't know what to say. "You are?" I thought his mother, Jessica might be here. It's been ten years since I have seen her.

"I am Maira. I am the housekeeper."

"Nice to meet you. I would love to chat, but I need to get to Mr. Henderson."

"He is near the pool." He points behind her.

"Thank you, Maria."

Walking up to the pool, I expected him to be at the pool, not inside it. There he is swimming without a care in the world, like he has not just destroyed my Sunday. I sigh and sit down at the chair before pulling the laptop out and setting it up on the table beside the pool. He swims gracefully and I can't help but notice.

"Ben, Ms. Alberto is here!" Maira calls out to him. Oh please, Maria! He immediately stops swimming and looks around before locking his eyes with me. That glint of evil smile appears on his damn gorgeous face. I think my heart made a jump. Stop that! You stupid heart! Aren't broken enough?!

"Thank you, Maira!" He says as he swims towards me. Maria comes and puts some snacks on the table before leaving. He puts his hands at the edge of the pool as he runs a hand through his hair to move it out of his face. He stares right at my face and I look away not letting it affect me as I type something on my laptop. He leans his chin on his hands as he stares at me. "You can leave for today, Maria." He yells.

I become rigid. So it's only him and me alone in the house? Urgh! What did I get myself into?! It's okay! Just don't look at him or let him effect you! You will be fine! You can get through this!!

"Good morning, Layla!" He speaks with an extra husky voice. Don't let him effect you! Be the boss lady! I cross my legs and straighten by back focusing my eyes only on the laptop.

"Good morning, Mr. Henderson!" I greet without looking. There is an awkward silence as I feel him star at me. I can feel his eyes boring to the side of my face. I take a quick peek at him and find him staring at my legs. My dress has moved up when I crossed my legs. I quickly pull the fabric down and her him chuckle. That pisses me off more.

"That's not helping much." He comments and he is right.

"My bad. I didn't know my boss is a pervert. I would have worn something long if I had known he was." I say in a polite-sarcastic tone while picking up the file and flipping through the pages.

"Baby, what's wrong at looking what's mine?" He rhetorically asks and my heart stops. Did he say what I thought he said?! Did he just... Did he call me his?!!! He moves away from the pool edge and climbs out of the pool. My eyes act on their own accord as they look at him. The water dripping off him... Him pushing his hair back... His stance... His muscles... His six pack... Oh it's still there!!! His broad shoulders...

When did he get so... HUGE?!! He did have muscles back then, but he is literally bulging now. His veins are popping out of his neck and hands. His veins look angry!!! My eyes reach up and find him catching me looking at him. That grin is clear on his face and it is doing things to me. I immediately look down and start typing something on the laptop.

Great! Great job, Layla!! Now you have boosted his ego!! You stupid idiot!! Is this what you call keep to yourself?!!

No, I am sorry brain! It's the heart!!

Do a better job!!

My brain yells at me.

He comes and stands in front of me drying himself with a towel. Why is my heart beating so loudly?!!

"Um... The presentation is ready for the Oil company we are buying and I reviewed the contract too. Everything looks fine. You just have to sign it and we will be taking over from tomorrow. I have also brought the file of the Nivera Hotels. Their case is due on the fourteenth of this month and we have seven days-"

"Did you have breakfast?" He asks stopping me in the middle. I almost look at him for a second. I know that he is now putting butter on his bread. My stomach turns at the smell of pancakes as he opens the lid from one of the plates.

"That's not important. The Nivera's case is a bit more complicated than expected and the evidences that you have asked-"

"Here." He says pushing the bread towards me. It's near my mouth. I just have to bite down on it. I am so tempted to.

"No, Mr. Henderson-"

"Stop calling me that." He commands.

"I don't think it's professional, Mr. Henderson. You are my boss after all and I am just Layla." I just like to defy him. I give him a smile like I won. Take that!!! He stares at me for a second and shakes his head and gets up moving towards me. My eyes widen. What?! No, no!! Sit down! Don't come near me! He is in a towel. When did he wrap it around?!

"You are right, Just Layla." He mocks my name and I clench my jaw as I look at him with fire in my eyes. He smiles like he won. Ah! How I would like to wipe that smirk off his face?!! "I am your boss and I am telling you to eat this bread." He commands. I fold my hands near my chest. I look at the bread and then at him.

"No!" Like he could make me do stuff?! Who does he think he is?! I am Layla!

"I love it when you are difficult." He sits on the table along with all of his gorgeousness. Urgh! Get your head out of the gutter! "I am sorry that I called you so early. Please have this toast." He speaks so softly as he pushes a trendily of my hair behind my ear. Suddenly, I forget how to breathe. The hair on my skin stands straight. Did he just apologise? He used to be like this ten years ago. Sweet and caring.

He used to look at me like I am the center of his world.

"You look tired." He says softly. Of course, I do! It's because of you! "Am I working you too hard?" His palm now caresses my cheek and I losing my senses here. The look he is giving me... Oh my! I quickly get up. Don't fall for this! This is just a trap! He doesn't love you!

"What are you doing?" It's time to confront. I am not going to let him play me again. "You just broke up last week! Of course she cheated on you by kissing my brother, but you can't just jump to the next woman so soon!"

"I broke up with her to be with you!" Woah! I thought they broke up because of Miranda kissing Max!

"What?"

"She did kiss your brother, but we broke up before that kiss happened." He explains as he thrusts the bread near my mouth again. "Eat."

"No!" I push his hands away. "That's the least of my concerns!" I fold my hands again. "Did you do something to Ronny?" I ask. I know that the flowers stop coming because of him. He definitely has something to do with it and my doubt is confirmed when he just stares at me. "Tell me!" I demand. Hold your power, Layla! Hold on to it!

"I will tell you if you eat." He says and I sigh. I was about to take it from his hand, but he catches my hand and pulls me closer to him.

"Be-" He thrusts the bread into my mouth. His hand is around my waist.

"Chew!" He commands. I start chewing like I am on a spell. He suddenly moves and dips his head in my neck. I close my eyes. Oh, that feels home! His arms are wrapped around me and he breathes in my scent. "Fuck the world!" He says as he pulls back to look at my face. I frown. What does he mean?! "I missed you so bad my heart bleeds, my Little Star."

Then his lips are on mine. They were just like I remember. Controlling, demanding and all too consuming.

Oh. My. Heart!

A/N:

Hey my cute dumplings!

I am so sorry about the wrong post. I was just reading this part and saw it. Here is the remaining part of the chapter.

Ben really can't handle himself around her.

Please VOTE and COMMENT.