Toxic-Attraction

sphere that sorrounded him was suspenseful, creepy and thick. There was pin drop silence. He looked down and his hands were stained with blood. But he didn't know why. Then, he heard a cras

ed a lot of assistants come and go", James said. "You're the first one who has kept up with him and stayed longer". "Seems I'm just too stubborn to quit". "Or smart enough to maintain silence" "Is that your advice?" "It's just my observation". They stepped into the elevator. As the doors shut, James said quietly. "He's not easy. You've noticed that". "I'd be kidding to say I've not noticed it" James looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Well, just stay alert and prepared cos Andrew has his moments" "Well, I'm not here to study him but to do my job". "Nice", he said. "But even doing your job gets complicated around Andrew". Before she could ask James what he meant by that, the elevator opened and James left. *...Top Floor - Andrew's Office ...* He stood with his back to the room, staring at the beautiful view of Manhattan through his large glass window. Elena entered as quietly as she could, but he spoke without turning to face her. "You're late", he said coldly. She looked at her watch. "It's 8:59" His voice was low and strict, "Late". She placed the files on his desk and kept her voice calm. "The finalized contract from the Gala investors. I checked it twice". He gradually turned. There was something in his eyes. It was sharper and deeper than usual. It felt like his eyes carried a lot of secrets and pain. "Make a schedule of a call with Galadis for 3p.m. I want the numbers updated again before then". "We've already verified it". "I want it worked on again. From the beginning". Elena's jaw tightened but she nodded. "Understood sir". He stepped forward taking the file from the desk. Their hands touched for a second and Elena noticed that his palm was hot. "Are you alright, Mr Cross?", she asked before she could stop herself . His gaze fixed on her. "Do I seem alright?" "No, you don't", Elena said honestly. He observed her for a bit longer, then placed the file back on the desk. "I don't pay you to observe me" "Maybe not. But I still do". Then, there was thick silence. And for a moment, she felt like he might speak out and say something real. But he just turned away. "Get out of my office," he said coldly. She felt hurt and left without saying a word. *...Lunch Hour - Outside the Building ...* James sighted her sitting on a bench under a tree, sipping tea enjoying the fresh air and the view. He moved to where she was and sat down without asking. "You look like you just faced a beast". She looked sideways. "More like I faced a tornado" He smirked. "Was it that bad?" "He's colder today. He looks uneased. Like he's been troubled by something". "Perhaps something is" "Is he always this way?" James didn't reply immediately. Rather, he looked at the environment for a while. Then he spoke, "Let me say it this way. Cross doesn't allow anyone get close to him. It doesn't matter how long you've worked with him. You can work with him in the same building for years and still be a stranger to him". "So why do people still work with