ERIC MAXWELL

What will you do when watching your lover almost make love with somebody else? Angry, right? That anger instantly shrouded my figure as I opened the door. Other than angry, I was also feeling disappointed and hurt. Carmen, the damn bitch caused my blood boiling in the higher degrees.

But when remembering our married only standoff in collateral term, immediately, I wake up from the negative feeling. The thing I can do now is withdrawing. At the time, only God knew how much I was hurting from the inside. Slowly, retreating to nearest pantry.

"I think Carmen had put something in Mr. Hendricks drink." I heard some woman discussing a matter related Russel.

"Why? Don't spread a rumour freely. You know Carmen won't let you go until you are severely hurt."

"No, I see it. She looks scared when noticed me entered and immediately bring the drink to Mr. Russel."

"The slutty sure dare... if what you said is right, then we only can wait the result later."

"It's pity..."

"Shh... don't speak what you can't speak for."

Retreating from the pantry, I go back in front Russel's office. I knocked the door but get no answer. Have them continue doing it? My heart slamming hard on my ribcage. Slowly, I open the door after taking a deep breathe.

No one here except the messy around the table and chair. Where is Russel? I walked to the chair, gripping the leather as the earlier scene appeared in my mind. Damn it! I spotted a small packaging at the table leg. Crouching down, I collected it and read the drug description.

In the description it was clear as a day the printed word is an aphrodisiac. The same drug entered my body a couple of weeks ago. I am squeezing the paper tightly. On the table my eyes fell on the warm coffee. So, this was what the women in pantry discussing.

Getting near the locked washroom and I knock it a few times, but didn't receive any response except the water flowing sound. I persistence knocking the door again and again until the door open. Russel appeared with a red shade face, a tent in his pants as well the darkened eyes.

Without any word I grabbed and put him on the leather chair. His body is shuddering whenever I touched him. Seem like the aphrodisiac really the potent one. What a bad luck we have recently? Just a few weeks ago I was also under the same type of drug.

His heavily lust eyes stare at me as I was kneeling down in between his parting thighs. Without breaking the eye contact, I zipped down his pants and bring out the hardened shaft.

"Hey, what are you doing?" I slapped his hand when he tried to push me.

"Pleasing my husband." I give him a smirking smile. The thing already slicked with the precum. I run my finger on it, causing Russel's body jolted. He looks so defenseless akin to docile.

"Don't joke around. Anyone can barge in any second." Russel glare at me

"Why? Traumatic?" I'm mocking him.

"We are in the office."

"Don't worry, I had locked the door. I am not like that stupid brainless woman."

"Well... Ah..." The protest turn moans when I took his big shaft into my mouth, minding my teeth carefully around it and using my tongue to tease the slit.

I can feel his shaft swelling in my mouth with rising heat. A tear rolling down eyes as I did a deep throat as well controlling my mouth from gag. Russel closes his eyes, savouring the pleasure I gave to him. His member pulsating slightly inside my mouth. A sign he almost to release the seed.

"I'm cumming." Russel give a warning.

I throw a disgusting word from my mind and prepare myself to accept his seeds. It's almost cause me gag when it flowing inside my mouth. A warm, bitter and salty instantly fills over my taste buds. I relaxed my throat to swallow it. Still, some of it was dripping out of the corner of my mouth.

"Is this a revenge?" Russel pulled out his shaft from my mouth, gently wiping the remaining liquid in the corner of my mouth.

"Revenge? For what? I am not, Mr. Benefactor." The arousal in my pants making my mind slightly out of rational thinking. I blurted the thing I should keep in my heart, "But from now and onward, I forbid you from sipping any drink make from these wolf in sheep skin."

"Okay." I don't know either to be happy or not by his answer. After that, Russel takes the control back and ravishing me like the beast in mating season. He put the laptop, document and other things aside before pouncing me on the table.

In the last spurt, my mind had heavy drowsiness and can't remember what I had done after that. When I woke up, the room has already clean and back to normal. The citrus air freshener permeated in the air. The only evidence is the soreness in my hips as well back entrance. Damn that is so hot sex ever. How can I be so wild earlier?

Because of shame, I asked his permission to return to my department. Russel rejected it with batting an eye. I can imagine the she-devil must be furious in her office. Serve her right! That also goes to another useless secretary, Sabrina. Just this morning she orders me to complete the new schedule for some higher up executives and until now I haven't touched the schedule yet.

She also must in a furious state since the deadline is tomorrow morning. Whatever! That is not my job actually. Being a nice person also has a limit. Laying on the sofa without doing anything truly a boring. I login onto the social network, finding Larry and his animals. I texted him and got the reply soon. We chatted from one to another topic as well as he cracked a few jokes.

One of while, I felt cold glaring but when I turn around, I saw Russel engrossed in his own world. Maybe I had just an illusionist.

The next day, I still ride with him to the office as my car still at my apartment. When arrived at the office, Russel called me again to his office. The colleague give a weird look as if I had done some big mistake. I shrugged my shoulder as Ruben also gave a faint smile.

Walking there I was slightly annoyed. When opening his office door, I bumped into the mounted chest. Damn, his slutty secretary look me with full hatred. I fight back with a smirk smile as I detected her red rim eyes.

"Don't think you can easily take my place." The she-devil whispered low only for me to hear. I slammed the door without answering her. There is no use to fight against a useless woman.

Russel look me with unreadable looks. This man is the centre of all my problems. Mainly, the troop enemy of jealousy women. His next word shook me greatly. Why? Because this selfish man had appointed me as his secretary without my consent. Moreover, I am still in probation period.

So, this was the hidden meaning behind the woman threatened earlier and Mr. Ruben faint smile. Great, Eric you're so great in adding more enemy and hot windy rumour. No matter how much I refute his decision, the man still stood with his resolution. In the end, I follow him to the next room. The room where I would officially be his secretary.

The personnel department got a short notice regarding this transferred and quickly sent my stuff here. The resentment Carmen has for me now is skyrocketing as she spotted me decorated the empty room with my stuff. Her mouth curled in the deep hatred.

According to Russel, he gave her one month holiday for the woman clearing her foggy mind. At noon, we had a little argument when I forced him to drop at my apartment. I need to take the car. Or else, out of stupid carelessness, our secret might busted. Human such a curious character, so they would dig the interesting things to the root.

Although, I did not do anything wrong, I still want to keep this as a secret. There is not guarantee until when this marriage will last. After getting my car back, I invited Russel to family dinner. He looks out of place and tell me that he not into family bonding.

Somehow, I feel so pity with this man. He has everything but lack the core as human. Maybe his family too busy when his growth up cause the latter become detached his parents. When arrived at my family house, I could see his stiffened body whenever my parents hugged him. He seem don't know how to reply and at lost.

I never meet his family yet except his two cousins who working in the same company. Every time I met them at the halfway, the anxiety will hit me immediately. I knew he had a few more relatives working there due that is a family company. Maybe after fully taking the position I would meet them often. In that case, I need to prepare myself very well.

From the rumor, Russel's family is kind of conservative family. Every member of the family would marry at least top ten people in business industries or politics. That is one way how they expanded the family wealthy and influential. What is their reaction is they know our status? I am own nothing. No influence or wealth. What I possessed only a talent that have nothing to do with a conglomerate business.

Would they immediately force us to divorce? A pang of pain stabbing me the moment the possibility enters my thinking. I know I'm just a tiny ant in their eye. Maybe Russel used me to retaliate his family custom. Used?

"Hey, what is wrong with you?" I open my eyes and sucked a big air. My hand crawling at the near bedside stand, finding my medicine.

"Medi...cine.." Russel hovers over me and open the small drawer. He pours the glass of plain water and give it to me together with the pills.

I throw the pills into my mouth and swallow the water. A second later, the pain reduces and my breath become normal. "Thank you." I put the glass on the bedside table

"Did your heart acting bad? Need to meet a doctor?" Russel caress above my heart. Somehow his mindless caress easing the dull pain.

"No need... it happen because I forgot to take the pills on time." I tell him.

"Do you need a vacation?" He still doesn't convince with my explanation.

"Nope." I shook my head. "Don't worry, this is just gentle reminder when I forget."

"From today and onward I would ensure you'd taken the pills on time." Russel gently put me back into sleeping position.

"Please don't treat me like disable people." I turn around. His hand scooped me close to his chest.

"Good night, Eric." He whispered in my ear.

"Night, Russel." I said before savouring the bliss in his embrace.

It took me almost a week to familiar with his schedule. From now on he can't use business trip as an excuse to avoid me. I think he also needs a space for himself too. I don't want to think the negative thing. The despicable woman also begins enjoying her vacation. Did she have no shame to drug her own boss? So scary.

I still keeping a professional conduct and really grateful when Russel also maintains the boss-employee relation in the office. At my back, I know many mouths had puke their hatred about my sudden position. I just ignore them. Fortunately, the friends I made in the department still close to me. They are my little spies.

Seems like Ruben also doesn't like me close to Russel. He might think I would leak a secret about his favouritism attitude in the department. Nah, they really dumb actually. Without me open the mouth, all their little dirty secret already in Russel hand. Their big boss is scary than conjuring ghost.

Honestly, taking someone else tasks not really my taste. I meant it only double my normal task. Why? Because first, I need to re-arrange the schedule, study it carefully and filling the missing loop. Second, I might find something that I disliked. And, God this woman really disorganized type.

I took almost one week organizing Russel's schedule for a six month period. Sometimes, he would drag me out meeting the clients. With business experience, I could join their talked without biting my tongue.

Today, Russel and I walked into the same shop where we got the clothes for marriage. Differently, our business today to get the suitable attires for tomorrow banquet. The banquet he forced me to join. As a businessman, aren't it more proper to bring a woman as a companion?

Argh, debating such thing is useless since this famous businessman decided who he would bring to the banquet. The unlucky person no one else than me. In gloomy mood, I tried the attire and looks like a fine rich young master in the mirror. The expensive clothes really can improve your appearance a lot. I turn around when saw a heating stare.

"You look so handsome." A man hugs me from behind as his eyes latched on my back reflected in the mirror. He swayed me right and left.

"Is this a compliment or sarcastic?" I asked him.

"Take it as whichever option you like." He said.

"Argh, whatever." I changed the clothes and Russel paid it using his black card. We bring the clothes to the car.

Tonight we turned to the bed early as we have a packed schedule tomorrow. Next morning first we need to attend some meeting and follow up by visiting top five business allies. Basically, for the whole day, we are on the outside and Russel decided to go straight home after the last meeting at three.

He orders me to get some rest and take the medicine. I swear I was living with an evil doctor than a businessman. Taking advantage of his word, I get a nap and wake up after gently shook. The sky already filled with orange hues. I yawned and Russel put the towel on my laps.

"We have one and half an hour before the banquet start." Lazily, I glance over the clock and nod. I think he just takes the bathed as his hair still dripping with droplet.

Using the towel I dried his hair, "You need to dry it properly, boss." I laughed.

"Hmm." He gives a humble replied. Once satisfied I leave him and going to the bathroom. The crazy husband equipped with rollercoaster emotion.

Tonight I ride the same car as him. We arrived at the banquet. Shortly, many people shrouded him like the precious diamond. I walked slightly behind him to maintain employer/employee relationship. He excused himself from the crowded and grabbed my hand to walk shoulder to shoulder.

I used to attend such a big banquet from an early age. But this one is above my expectation, a true image of a high class banquet. The grandness is higher than any of the banquet I had attended. You can spot noble class, big tycoons, celebrities and people you never dream to mingle with.

Mr. Douglas gives an opening speech and thanking his guests for attending this banquet. According Russel this is also a banquet mixed with an engagement party. The banquet begins with the man in blue navy with black bowtie facing a woman with white elegance gown. A woman almost resembles Mr. Douglas have charming smile decorate her face. She blinks her tears when his lover puts the engagement ring.

The guests gave applauses when they officially engaged and handshaking with them one by one. Shit, I forget to arrange the gift for the couple. Russel, the asshole only mentioning about the engagement stuff when we entered the hall.

"Don't worry, I had sent the gift directly to their house. The couple already cohabitant a year ago."
It's like he knew my concern and explaining the gift that I failed to provide.

"Good grief." I swept my face. May I strangle this smirking boss? I follow Russel to the happy couple.

"Hey Dean, finally had the balls to marry this beautiful?" Russel hugs the man in blue navy suit.

"Damn you, Russel. Erina this is my bestie from college years until now, Russel Hendricks." The man called Dean introduced Russel to his fiancée.

"I know... this man popularity enough to shut down any celebrity fame." The woman laughed, "Hello Mr. Hot, my name is Erina Douglas." Russel shake a hand with the woman.

"Russel Hendricks, nice to meet you. This is my secretary, Eric Maxwell." I think almost lost breathing. Fearing if this demon introduces me as his husband.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Dean, Miss. Erina." We changes a handshake and let them catch their sweet time. When bored, I excused myself to fetch some drink.

After drinking, I lean at the nearest quiet corner. The best spot where I can observe Russel movement. Actually, he didn't need me at all in this social banquet. Seeing the women flocking around Russel just aroused the irritated feeling in me. The women obviously try snatching his attention.

The most annoying time when our eyes meet one in a while. I sense as if him deliberately mocking me by showing a smile to these women. Also, a hint of teasing. Ignoring the arrogant man and his harem, I switch my eyes to another place and spotted a few renowned artisans. I bite my lip, restraining myself from greeting them. My second identity will be exposed if I ever greet them. Better keep a low profile.

In a bored plus irritated, I took a glass of wine from the waiter walking around the hall. However, before I put the glass on my lips, a hand had stolen it. Ferociously, I turn around and frozen when seeing a man beside me. A man I helplessly avoid from since the last time he dragged me into the steakhouse.

"Hi, never expected to meet you here. Seem like the lady luck on my side." Frank said with a smile. But the longing in his eyes scared me to pit of the hell.

"Accompany someone." I replied shortly.

"Guess your new boss right? By the way are you okay? Why are you tried avoiding me?"

"Yes, my boss. I am fine and you should know the reason I was avoiding you." Because you are the great plague. In my life. My eyes twitched when mentioned the ungrateful boss who resuming his playboy character.

"Oh I see... I am sorry if my figure made you uncomfortable. I just can't suppress this heavy love in me. My love for you thickened day by day."

"The loved already buried a long ago. Full stop!" I said in annoyance. This man is ten times more annoying than my dearest husband.

"Since when you start taking the alcohol?" Frank diverts the topic.

"Human always changed. And what about you? Happy be a father?"

"Yes, got a baby girl. Hopefully not as annoying as her mother."

"Where is your wife?"

"Home, our baby has a fever." And here his dearest father tried courting his ex-boyfriend.

"You shouldn't let go such a perfect family."

"What? Are you kidding me? I am more attracted to a man than a woman. In fact, no one can take your place in my heart." What the hell this man saying? I am glad we are far from the crowded place.

"Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes, "But sorry my love has already shifted to another person."

"What? How could you find the replacement in a short period?" A furious darkened in his green eyes.

"It is my human right as a single allowed me to find the new love without cheating on anybody. Last I checked, I get dumped and revert as a single." He coughed a little as the mentioned the cheated and dumped.

"Sorry Eric but I would never give up on you. This is only the farce you put after I betrayed you. I knew you still love me until this second." Oh, I really wanted to cough a blood. Why he is so full?

"In your dream..." Before I can finish the sentence, a hand lingered around my waist. A goosebumps hit me as his scent entered my nose. Damn, why he decided to come here?

"Hey, did something happen? You look so tense." My heart thumping as his finger brushes my bang. This is the most awkward situation. On your left is your dear husband and on the right side is your ex-boyfriend. Why not the ground swallow me alive?

"I am fine, Mr Hendricks. This is Frank Thompson, my acquaintance from some charity program. Frank, this is my current boss, Mr. Russel Hendricks." God, please forgive me for laid another lie. There is no way I would introduce Frank as an ex-boyfriend.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Hendricks. Just called me Frank." The mood gets tenser as they handshakes.

"Russel Hendricks. I don't know my CLOSER FRIEND is working under a big name. No wonder he seems so busy to meeting up." I really wanted to bash this man's skull when he presses on the closer friend word.

"Luck." I said briefly.

"No one enter my company because the luck. Meant this special man has a big talent when we scoot him. By the way, I need MY SECRECTARY now, so please excuse us." Without waiting the reply, Russel grabbed me to center. I don't know either to laugh or cry.

"Don't wander anywhere." He quickly enters the social mode again, leaving me alone in boring state.

After half an hour, greeting one or two unrecognized figures, I turned to the nearest corner. Russel was again surrounded by fleas. I grabbed a glass of juice from the waiter, enjoying the view of real life acting. One glance I could tell which is truly friendly or not.

When I turned around, suddenly a woman bumped into me. An expensive red wine smeared across my suits. Damn! It is so embarrassing. I caught the woman before she kissed the floor. The scene attracted many eyes. My eyes turn grieve when I face the woman. Oh joy! Frank was lying to me? This woman is his spitfire wife.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't see where I go." She tries to wipe the tainted on my clothes.

"Never mind." I said reluctantly. "Where is Frank?"

"Oh, it's you, we meet again. Frank with his business partner over there. I follow the woman sight." The woman showed an innocent like smile. Did the smile really from her bottom heart?

"Yes madam, we meet again." Somewhat facing this woman feeling as if a poisonous snake crawling under my skin. She looks like a pretender, a great actress hiding a smirk.

"Are you okay?" my wilder mind stopped thinking when I felt the firm grip on my shoulder. Russel stood beside me with unreadable eyes fallen on the hateful woman.

"Yeah, I am fine. This is due to my carelessness, turning around and bumped into her." I hide the truth. Sometime, shouldering someone mistake could resolve some chain of bad event.

"Go and take a spare set in my car. This is a hotel key room. After change gets down here again." I nod as he put his blazer on me.

Quickly, I go to his car, bring out the spare changes in there. How come my clothes in his car? Argh whatever. After that, I was going straight to the president suite, changing my clothes and get down to the party again. On the way there, I meet two old men again.

"Hey, what are you doing here, uncles." The both shocked and turned to face me. A smile graces their wrinkle face.

"Our old friend invited us to his party. Anyway, I had a sprain back so I can't accompany this man in there. How about you accompany him?" Joseph, the back sprained man asked me.

"Argh, sorry. I am with my boss currently." I tell them. After the first meeting, we actually meet a few more times.

"Too bad. By the way, we could walk together until arriving there." James said. I nod on his suggestion. "Hey old man, take care." He waved to Joseph, who slowly retreat from us. I felt slightly worry letting the pain man walked alone.

"Don't worry, someone as stubborn as him won't collapse anywhere soon." James said as he caught my worry face.

"Hopefully." We walked together, but strangely the old man entered the same grand party as me. His appearance somewhat enough to reduce the liveliness in the hall. All the eyes on him.

"Where is your party, young man? I think it is enough to accompany me until here." James patted my hand.

"Actually, I am also attending this party." I said.

"Oh good, good. Come here boy, accompany me a little more." Helplessly, I follow him until we found the good corner. Three more the middle age men joined our little chat room. Among them, I only the youngest one. The one similarity we have in this group is they also arts lunatic.

"Hey, do you know this young man is an art expert? Because him we could avoid the fake arts. He had a very discerning eye." James laughed as he patted my shoulder.

"Oh no, I am only a normal man." I said in shy. We only discuss about the arts and sharing some ideas. It is also made me loss the boring feeling as I'd also active speaking with them. 

A/N

Hope you will enjoy this chapter as well. I think I'd forgotten about Black Panther here and that's why I need erased any sentence regarding him in this chapter due have no time to read a previous chapter. Anyway, thanks buddies keep reading this book. See you next weekend.