Claire had never felt so exhausted that morning that she was not far from smashing that alarm clock incessantly until it could not be heard. Instead her temper did not explode from breaking point and she was forced to move out from beneath her bed quilts to conquer the day ahead. Like most mornings, Claire would adopt the bird's nest, the distinct darkness under her eyes and not last but least, the faint trace of dribble across her chin. Heck, she couldn't even take the repulsive distaste of her retainers that had slept within her mouth. How do couples wake up in the morning and take mouth to mouth despite the cost of their morning breath? It really baffled her, something she could not abide. What happened to hygiene? But what was she know? Dating ceases to exist in her territory, that even her double-bed knew the shape of her body all too well.

Claire was even more fatigued sitting at the table that unconsciously she moved the cup to her lips feeling the fierce taste of coffee slide down her throat. This was her only companion in the morning and perhaps alongside the seclusion and nature beckoning through the blinds at sunrise. Despite when Abbey used to live here, coffee in the morning was the only one that understood her. It wouldn't bug, moan, speak, it would just remain hushed. A sound Claire adored in the morning that in particular Abbey couldn't understand. So coffee as fierce as kiss it could be to her throat, coffee understood that mornings were not be disturbed by noise. Was that too much to ask? If this was a set scene for a TV advertisement promoting coffee, she'd nailed it. Cut the crap out of being ebullient at the crack of dawn, look half asleep and barely move an inch, then you've nailed it. No pretentious actors portraying a joyous family excited to be up, no none of that. Just silence. What a morning should be.

Seven-thirty, Claire had just about slipped her final black ankle-boot on her right foot. She groaned slumping forward; this was all too much effort. Encouraging herself to stand up, Claire closed her eyes briefly as even the slight activity of exercise was punishment. Her muscles ached begging to be dressed under the quilts. She felt sorry for those who encountered the misery on her face every day on the public bus.

Claire was content to say the least that as the bus drove to the curb, she could see plenty of vacant seats. Getting onto the bus, she met familiar faces of commuters who just as well looked shattered as they sat far at the back. Claire took the safe option in the middle placing her handbag immediately on the vacant seat beside her; warning to all passengers that she did not want another warm-blooded sitting beside her. Harsh but she could not take the risk of what happened last time. A tall male dressed in dirty jeans, overgrown beard that she suspected contained last night's food came to sit beside her. At first it wasn't a problem, he didn't speak. Then she became irritated by his languid demeanour where as the journey went on, his body slumped against her. Claire could see he had fallen asleep and at her efforts to push him off, he took no notice. It was at least six more stops that as he jumped awake, he pulled back, got off and left without a word of apology. Claire grimaced at that awful memory. Claire was just grateful now that there was hardly anyone on board for the need to remove her bag, ultimately exposing herself to something awful like that happening again. Perhaps when her roommate came along, she wouldn't have to worry about taking it alone. No more problems of the sitting alone. She wondered what did a stranger thought when they spotted her alone. Did she look more vulnerable? Friendly? Bad choice if they thought she was friendly especially in the mornings.

Eventually her journey came to a stop and she was only grateful that the bus stop stood right outside Benson Corporations; its skyscraper towering amongst the many neighbouring ones yet only appeared to stand prouder. Claire did not know of this CEO, heard he was young but nothing else. In particular if you were to meet him face to face, you'd probably mess yourself. Not a nice thought. But what could you believe? And besides the gossip came from Susan Wickes, colleague on her floor who was not only nosey but had a record of exaggerating the truth in the matter. Claire flattened her black peacoat down where wrinkles had formed at the bottom as she entered the reception. Ahead her colleague and greatest friend, Darren, stood waiting in the visitor area reading a magazine. He soon looked up as he saw two black boots intrude his viewpoint beneath.

"Morning, Sunshine." He smiled, placing the magazine on the side.

Claire frowned towards Darren deciding to walk on heading towards the lifts where other waited patiently in return.

"I swear I said morning to you." Darren said as he caught up to the side of her. His brown locks cascaded down his forehead as he came to a stop.

"I know you did." She commented, looking elsewhere on purpose. "But you know I hate it when you say morning because then it reminds me of the pain of getting my arse out of bed."

-"I know."

Claire exhaled as they entered the lift. "Then why must you torture me in such early hours of the morning?"

"Because your reaction is priceless." Darren replied, smirking in triumph before moving in to plant a soft kiss onto her cheek. Claire wined in disgust, "Keep your lips to yourself, buddy!"

Darren dissolved into laughter as they took movement out of the lift onto the sixth floor. Cubicle after cubicle held captive of her fellow colleagues tapping away to their heart's content, parts in synchronisation as if it was an orchestra led on by a conductor. The irony being they were working away for the man on top. Instead of heading to their cubicle which in respect to their relationship was because they sat next to each other, instead they headed to the small longue area that held a compact kitchen. Darren took towards the kettle to boil water as Claire flopped herself onto a chair.

"So I saw someone looking at your advert this morning about your flat." He said, his back faced towards her as he poured water into each mug.

"Really?"

"Yes. Some guy, he looked really important. I've seen him before around." He replied, as he added the milk to combine the hot water and milk together.

"Well I don't think he was looking at my advert. He probably owns a penthouse or mansion in the rural areas." Claire pointed out, thanking Darren as he passed her a cup of tea.

"So? Any plans?" Darren asked, sitting opposite her.

"Nope. Go home and pray that someone will phone up looking to rent. If not I lose the place." She said, smiling for a spilt second then took a sip from her cup.

"You need to go out more." Darren confessed. "When's the last time you let your hair down?" He asked, the truth in all correct as she frowned looking elsewhere.

-"Morning!" A voice blurted, alerting both their attention. Claire regained her posture as she took in the beautiful specie before her taking his cup to the sink. Jason his name was. A generally nice person and a nice ass in which her eyes were moving towards guiltily. Problem was she was sure he was engaged.

"Hey." Darren replied, grateful he was speaking for her. Claire only glanced down towards her cup of tea attempting to appear as if she was more interested in the hot liquid than the hot man.

"How was your weekend?" Jason asked stopping just an inch away from Claire.

"Good. Partying all day and night." Darren smiled.

-"And you, Claire?"

Claire had to look up, "Good thanks. Watching movies." She replied before looking away. What was wrong with her? Claire was confident, none of this shy and dependent on others type of women. But he was the problem. Bursts of excitement would rise on the surface of her skin and her cheeks would burn at the sight of him.

"Well, I better get going. Plenty of work to be getting on with. Catch you guys later." Jason smiled leaving their presence. Claire let out a release of air as she sat back up. Only she regretted that with Darren raising his eyebrows in amusement.

"You." Darren spoke. "You fancy the socks of that guy. You're confident than any woman I know and you ain't got the balls to speak to him?"

Claire frowned. "One I don't have balls, that if you stayed in biology or PSHE, you would have learnt that. And two." Straightening herself up as she added. "I cannot help it. And isn't he engaged or something?"

"No. You just use that excuse so you don't have to speak to him. This is my point, you do need to go out more." Darren stated.

"Pro-

-"Don't give me that s***. You'll get that promotion." Darren broke in.

Claire sighed tracing her finger around the edge of the cup. "Give me a break."

Darren laughed as he stood up taking both their empty cups and placing them in the sink. "Claire, I love you, you know that?"

-"Not on my behalf."

Darren did not get another word in as Monica, red-haired, equally as gorgeous as a model took intrusion into their space. "Boss wants you in the centre." She said, flicking her long hair behind her shoulder.

"Thanks Monica." Darren smiled, although Claire could feel the distaste he had towards her from just the way her name spat off his tongue. They both had the same hatred for her considering her reputation. Monica did not smile and only sashayed away with the sight of her short dress riding higher on her hips.

"That dress is way too small. It would reach past the knees if a twelve year old wore that." Darren choked as he shook his head from the display she flaunted off.

"Yeah. Well, we'll rant about it later. First let's see what the dog wants." Claire said, encouraging him as she stood to her feet. Darren nodded allowing Claire to walk ahead as they headed over to where their fellow colleagues were gathered in the centre of the department discussing with one another. In front just as they joined the back, Peter Graves, their department boss paraded in eagerly smiling. Something about Graves caused the back of the hairs on her neck to rise each time he made an appearance. Graves was grey-haired but wasn't incapable of throwing a punch seen from the sight of his immense arms. Gossip once spread that it's because he's a steroid user but that gossip was soon cut short. There had to be truth in the matter considering the person expected to have said that was fired the following day. And then she had the suspicion he was sleeping around with the women around the department, for instance Monica.

-"Right. As you know I have been very indecisive on who should be rewarded with this promotion." He announced cutting her thoughts away. Claire soon stood up straight getting off the desk she was leaning on. This was it, the promotion she'd been waiting for. She became more anxious as he mouth moved but no words left yet. Beside her, Darren squeezed her arm in reassurance.

"After weeks and weeks, I have decided that the promotion of leading assistant to this department shall be Ms. Monica Petals." He said, with the explosion of applause in the background. Claire slumped onto the empty chair at the loss of support to stand up hearing those words leave his lips.

Up front, Monica was congratulated and awarded with a bunch of flowers as if this was some sort of beauty pageant. Darren crouched down to his knees holding Claire's hand as she sat there unable to sink the news in. She couldn't understand. Her targets were substantial out of every one and she had been rewarded last month, employee of the year. So how did Monica who had been falling behind on permitted targets gain that privilege of moving up the ladder?

Claire got to her feet as one woman returned over standing there awkwardly to reclaim her seat. Beside her Darren walked with her as they headed over to their cubicles at the far back. Darren helped her to her seat as she sighed resting her cheek onto her hand that was propped up by her elbow upon the desk.

"Hey, you okay?" Darren asked.

"Yeah." Claire muttered. "Just I don't understand." Her eyes moving back towards the far front where Graves shook hands with Monica. "It's f**king ridiculous. I worked so hard." She added, releasing a huff of air.

-"Honey, I know you did. They're fools for not picking you."

Claire smiled towards him for his effort of reassuring her then she spat. "I bet it's because he's been f**king her. Took fancy in her arse!"

Darren laughed. "Honey you have a way better arse than her."

"Eww. Stop staring at my ass!" Claire chuckled. Darren smiled raising his hand to her face as he kissed her forehead.

"Honey, you know I prefer a d.ick." He smirked.

Claire rolled her eyes smiling in defeat as she took him into an embrace. Against him she muttered, "You like big d.ick, my friend."

"All the better to-

-"Shut up!" She spat, smacking his arm as she pulled away.

~~~

Zack tossed his keys on the side of his desk as Kyle followed behind. His office was very simplistic, varying from light colours and modern furniture.

"So when do I start?" Zack asked as he leant on the edge of his desk.

"As soon as possible. I think I may have sorted you out, accommodation." He replied, the glint in his eyes causing Zack to glower in suspicion towards him.

-"How so?"

"Some women on floor six in Marketing and Sales is looking for a roommate." Kyle said, taking a sweet from the bowl off the centre coffee table that in reality never sees the bottom considering Zack's visitors barely have chance to remain comfortable within his presence.

"Okay. So I get this accommodation. Probably f**k this woman who I know will be unable to resist this." He smirked, pointing his hands to himself in effort to flaunt his incredible body. "But what will I say where I've gone and what position to I undertake?"

Kyle smirked, shaking his head as he swallowed the sweet before he replied. "Easy, you say...you're going on holiday or something. Then if this girl works on Marketing and whatnot, work there."

"Okay. I'll call Olivia in to book it now. That way she'll appear as witness to my whereabouts." Zack said, leaning back over the desk as he pressed a button. Shortly there was a knock on the door before his PA entered holding a note pad and pen. Thing about Olivia was she was very plain, large spectacles rested on the end of her nose and her attire was unflattering to her body. Zack had purposefully gone with her considering his moral was not to push himself into affairs at work. That was a major turn-off.

"Olivia." He announced, watching as her cheeks flared up. "Sweetie, sit please." He pointed his hand towards the empty chair situated in front of his desk. He knew he could be well intimidating especially from how had the knack to make a person feel uncomfortable.

"Olivia." He said, his tone rather mocking as if he was speaking to a child. "I'd like you to be informed that I'm going on holiday tomorrow morning so I shall not be in." Then nodded his head slowly watching as the redness crept further up her neck. "And I have a new employee coming in so inform reception. I'll leave you the information to send down in a while. Okay?"

"Y-Yes Sir." She stuttered pushing the rims further up her nose.

"Good." He said. "You can go."

Kyle who sat on the sofa couldn't help sneer at Zack as they watched as Olivia leave the office. Only then did he comment. "You dog. You've got her wrapped around your little finger. You banging her?"

"Course." Zack scoffed, rolling his eyes as he unbuttoned his sleeves. "Is that all you think about?"

-"I'm surprised you haven't, that's all."

Zack began to roll his sleeves up, something he knew all too well was a major turn-on for a women especially when one was left on one's own with the opposite sex. "So where is this number or advert for the apartment?" He asked, placing both hands on his thighs as he looked up.

"Here." Kyle said, jerking himself up as he took a scrambled piece of paper from his back trouser pocket. "Number and everything."

-"Great."

"I'll phone her tonight." Zack informed him as he took the paper from out his hand.

"Done then. So Zack Benson goes away tomorrow on an extortionate cruise around the world. Fancy that." Kyle said, smirking as he got to his feet. "Don't forget, you'll need a name. And a different appearance."

"I'm not changing my forename. I'll just change my surname. It'll confuse me otherwise and yes...I'm sure I can dig out the old checked flannels." Zack sighed.

-"Pleasure doing business with you."

It was the late evening when Zack returned home removing his grey tie from his neck as he headed into the living room. Ahead Maria had done him the courtesy of leaving him a glass of red wine on the side just as he asked. Zack sighed as he took out the unscrambled piece of paper, then picked up his glass to take a quick sip as he punctured the numbers into his phone. He waited patiently taking occasional sips every now and then as the phone dialled in. Zack waited not long as the recipient answered on first ring.

The hair on the end of his arms rose at the alluring tone of the woman's voice on the other line, "Hello, Claire Winter. Who is this?"

Zack took quick sip of his wine in purpose to keep her waiting before he answered. "Hello. Zack Chase. I'm inquiring on the accommodation."

Claire on the other line did not know why she shuddered in delight but she gathered it had something to do with that husky, erotic voice of theirs speaking on the other line. Claire took moment's breath before she replied, "Yes. I need a roommate. Erm, the rent is £350 a month and erm...

-"That's fair enough." He broke in. And there it was again, that sensual voice of his climbing up her spine. Claire shook her head as she tried to focus on the meaning of his words rather than th sheer attractive to that voice.

"Erm. So, erm. Yeah. When can you come?" She asked, scowling at herself for her stuttering.

"Err, tomorrow. If that's convenient for you." Zack replied, smiling to himself as he took notice to her obvious fillers knowing all to well, he had that effect on women. It was like going fishing in a pond and getting the great big catch. "Only I start a job tomorrow too and a place is required. Short notice I know but..." He paused, taking acknowledge to her raised breathing on the other side, that he smiled as he finished what he said. "I could not...push aside a great opportunity."

"Of course. My address is on there and you have my number. Erm, say five?" She replied.

Zack sat forward. "Beautiful, until then Miss Winter." He uttered, feeling the goose bumps creep upon her skin.

Claire shuddered once more as she ended the call. Who was this guy? And why was he making her skin crawl with goosebumps despite not even knowing what he looks, acts or is like? This was all too wrong, and she hadn't asked him the usual questions to check he wasn't a killer or whatnot. What was wrong with her?

Zack was however smiled at the end of the call. Perhaps this going undercover wouldn't be too bad at all.

Thank you for reading the second chapter of BOSS UNDERCOVER. I apologise if not much has happened between the two main characters but next chapter it will all change. So I like Zack but as you will come to learn throughout this story, he is an ass. And I like Claire because she's confident and I expect she won't let Zack treat her that way.

I do hope you are enjoying this so far and can see that this won't follow the cliché. If you enjoyed this please VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE. Next update should be out soon. Can't wait to write about their first encounter.

Thank you,

VAMPIREFANGSRULES

XXX