Mr. President’s

Chapter 8

Mercedes went into deep thought. She admitted to herself that her actions were way overboard but she couldn’t solely carry the blame. Nathan was as guilty as she was therefore, she would not carry such a burden. His aura was intimidating but since he was still human like her, she won’t fall for it. She folded her arms and stared at him.

Something weird tickled inside of her and suddenly, she began laughing hysterically, it made Nathan boil. Mercedes wasn’t going to kowtow to him like everyone else.

“If I don’t know any better, Mr President, I would say that you are obsessed with me and you can’t do away with my presence. Her tone relayed a mocking effect, making Nathan’s eyes squint with a flare of fury, he scoffed, “don’t get your hopes up. For as long as I have that dollar bill on the wall, I will do as I please,” he stated matter of factly.

Mercedes recalled she was going to get a replacement therefore, for as long as she wasn’t going to be paired with Nathan for long, she laid her claims on the table. “I will work for you for some time but not all my life. Let’s just say, three years at most,” she folded her arms to her chest and said. Nathan planted some form of admiration for her. She knew how to bargain and was the only woman who wasn’t moved by his attractive features and powerful aura. He didn’t outrightly refuse her offer but neither did he accept it.

“Hmmm, turn on your computer and download the files sent to your email. I prefer the digital way of doing things.” he creased his–brow and said curtly. Mercedes took it as a cue and stood from where she sat, ambling to her office and doing as she had been told. She could clap for Nathan’s style of handling issues. Not having come to a firm conclusion, she still couldn’t foretell his stand on the matter therefore, she wasn’t at peace.

She gaped in admonition when she opened an email set up for her. So many files and so much work to do. No wonder her salary was boxed on. She began working on the documents and didn’t hear from Nathan anymore. She hadn’t realized when it was midday till she heard a knock on the door. Not knowing who it could be, she paused from her work and uncoded her door. A storm of shock swirled her when she saw a delivery guy and the amount of food he carried, mesmerized her.

“Mercedes Winters?” Excitement laced the voice of the delivery guy. A young man of not more than nineteen, clad in a red customized shirt with matching shorts and white trainers.

“Yes,” Mercedes sighed, not hiding her bewilderment.

“Please sign,” the delivery guy gave her a notepad and a pen but she was reluctant to sign and asked. “Who placed the order?”

“Mr Legend,” the guy grinned. Mercedes felt like a gull. It was her responsibility to have ordered lunch for him but she was drowned with so much work, she lost track of time. She quickly signed and took the food to the kitchen. She opened the door to Nathan’s office and ambled to his desk, “do you have a minute, Mr Legend?” She asked politely.

“Hmmm,” Nathan hummed without lifting his head. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Your lunch is here. Where would you like to eat?” She asked, her eyes rolling around. It would take a few days for her to know Nathan’s needs to be able to get them ready.

“Wherever you choose,” he responded. His head was still buried in his computer. Seeing how busy he was, she took the food to his office and spread it on his centre table.

“Lunch is served,” she swirled towards her office.

“Who is going to eat that?” Nathan asked, making her freeze on the spot. His tone was a blend of coldness and demand. Mercedes was perplexed. “You,” she retorted awkwardly.

Nathan gave her his full attention. “Even a dummy would know that this isn’t a meal for one person. Take a seat,” he ordered curtly. Mercedes was aghast. Would it hurt if he just invited her nicely? She was hungry but she wasn’t comfortable sharing

B

the same table with Nathan and said, “but.

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She wanted to say no but he cut her off in his usual deep, velvety voice, “we have a lot to do, you are wasting time.” She sat on the sofa and was joined by Nathan, who took had removed his blazer and was in his shirt. She felt nervous eating with him. If it were her best friend Griffin, it would have been fun but Nathan seemed robust. She kept staring at him, admiring his elegant way of eating. Even the way he held his cutlery looked majestic.

“Are you going to eat or stare? Never seen a handsome man in your life?” His tone was amusing but his expression was deadpanned. Mercedes was taken aback. What kind of man so self–consciously admires himself?

“Don’t flatter yourself. Who said you were handsome?” She regretted it the minute the words fell from her mouth. Nathan was her boss but she wasn’t used to the formalities when poked. She might be professional in her line of work but she still needed to work on her social skills.

Surprisingly, Nathan retorted. “I don’t see anyone who stares at unattractive things.” Embarrassment flushed her. She should have known that she wasn’t going to win against Nathan. She didn’t speak anymore and ate her food rigidly. She felt Nathan’s gaze on her from time to time and felt uncomfortable.

She was lost in thought and hadn’t realized that Nathan had finished eating and began clearing his side of the table. Tll do it‘ she unconsciously grasped his hand and said, instantly freezing at her action. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled and removed her hand as if the touch of his skin beneath hers burned.

“It’s okay. Just eat, Nathan retorted and continued clearing the table. She didn’t have the appetite anymore and cleared her side of the table as well. After the short break, she went back to work and emailed her report to Nathan. A curt smile crossed his lips when he received her email. This was the first time he was satisfied with the work of an assistant. It was just the same as when she gave the summary during the board meeting. Somehow, she had impressed him on her first day.

The perfection in her work made Nathan want to keep her. Besides, she didn’t disgust him like other women. He felt comfortable with her presence. However, he also knew how much she was trying to control her sassy and feisty personality. Unknown to Mercedes, it was one of the things that made him attracted to her. Everyone obeyed him sheepishly but Mercedes will not go down without a fight.

Soon it was time for closing. Mercedes hadn’t realized it and was still working on the remaining files when Nathan’s familiar) deep voice rang in front of her door. “If you can round up in the next five minutes, I will give you a ride to wherever you are going.” he checked his expensive wristwatch when he spoke.

Mercedes was grateful for his kindness but she couldn’t accept his offer. “Thanks but I have a car.”

Nathan was slightly displeased. He wanted to know her house but he didn’t have a choice. Having known her name, he had already ordered a search about her. Since Mercedes didn’t succumb to his $1 threat, he was seeking other means to nail her. “Alright, see you tomorrow and don’t be late,” he casually said and left. Mercedes watched him till his back was out of sight. She said a short prayer and breathed in relief. His presence made her heart skip.

Nathan got to his car pack and a certain red car caught his attention. The same car which hit his Lambo. He checked the number on his phone and got the needed conviction. The whole building belonged to him so who among his staff drove that car? He would just have to wait and see. He sat in his car and waited while other staff descended and drove out. Soon, Mercedes walked over to her car but before she sat in, Nathan stood in front of her.

“My, my my, what do you have here?” He uttered in accusation. Mercedes was awed. ‘Is there a problem?” She asked. Innocence veiled her countenance. “Hit and run is a grave offence, don’t you think?” Nathan’s voice was cold, and his eyes. pierced hers. She was caught in his web.