So, I have decided that I need my job, so sadly I have to go, because im not suited for life on the streets. I was just going to go to work and avoid my boss, do my job then go home.

"Uh excuse me, where is Aditya's office" a woman asked, I turned to face her, her smile was kind. I pointed in the general direction then went back to signing myself in.

"And you think that's acceptable behaviour for a staff member, to discriminate another worker here, I dont even want to see your face again, get out" Adi shouted, making me look up, he glanced my way "Zoya, in my office now"

"But" and there went my plan to stay away

He shook his head "Dont argue with me right now, I'm not in the mood" I didnt really need him to clarify, it was glaringly obvious, I sighed, looking down as I walked towards his office, I made sure to sit in his seat before he could get in, what can I say, it was the only revenge I could offer *shrugs*

"So, you wanted to talk to me, you know theres a woman out there who is waiting to speak to you"

"I have a lot of women waiting to talk to me" he pointed out

"You're getting a bit big for your boots, don't you think" I pushed my feet on the floor, spinning myself around, when I suddenly came to a halt, I gulped at Adi's nose, an inch from mine, his hands on the arms of the chair

"Im really not in the mood for your foolishness today Zoya"

"And I am not in the mood for you to be moody, but you are, so, what do you need to talk to me about" I looked down at my hand like I wasn't affected by his closeness (I was, we know that, he doesnt need to)

He clenched his jaw, then glanced into my eyes "One of my workers was sending around morphed photos of another woman"

My eyes widened "What is this, a playground" I snickered, but clearly he didnt find this funny. "Sorry, I crack jokes when im uncomfortable, what would you like me to do about it"

He sat down on the chair opposite me, sighing loudly "I need you to ensure that in your sessions, the staff learn respect for eachother" he tipped his head "Can I ask you a question Zoya"

I imitated his head tilt "Youre going to ask anyway big shot"

"Now, don't get me wrong, I like the fact that you're always sarcastic, but why are you why that way, I get the feeling you are trying to keep people from finding out the real you"

I was a little speechless, but none the less I wasnt going to give him what he wanted. I crossed my arms, "Are you psychoanalyzing me or asking me"

"Both, but I want to hear it from you" the corner of his mouth rose slightly and I was very happy to see him smile again

"People mess you around, its best to not let anyone in" I shrugged. Why had I told him that?

His face went serious. "I wouldn't mess you around, you're Ziddi Zoya, its hard to believe anyone would, but if anyone tries again, you send them my way"

Now why is he like ten times hotter when he gets all protective? Hashtag goals! "Why, what are you going to do, beat them up"

He nodded, very certain of himself "No one should be messing you around Zoya, theres no excuse, I always take care of my staff"

Ah. There it was. I was staff zoned rather than friend zoned. Only me, honestly, only me. "Thanks, but I dont need a bodyguard"

"But maybe you need a friend Zoya"

And now I was friend zoned. I stood up, grabbing a notepad, writing something down then throwing it his way before walking out. I watched as he read it

"Omg, lol, you gotta say leh, you're ridiculous as hell" he sighed "What does that even mean"

I snickered "Its a song by a youtuber, superwoman, check it out"

He shook his head "If you were anyone else Zoya, I would have fired you by now"

I peered my head back round "So then why haven't you"

"Im not sure Zoya, im really not"

XXX

Today had felt like the longest day of my life, I really really liked my boss, and it was getting very hard to always seem so off around him. His words still hurt, I would never be his type of woman.

But Noor told me to give it a chance, and I wanted to, but if he turned me down, it would be the most embarassing thing of my life. I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned to see Adi's idiotic cousin.

"So, I was thinking we could come to some kind of deal"

I looked around, the office was empty and I felt really uncomfortable. "Such as" I stepped back

"Well, its clear to see you like my cousin, but he wont ever go for someone like you, but me, well I would be willing to give it a try" he wound my scarf around his hand, making me hold it tighter

"Look, im not interested, just leave me alone"

"For sure, you are Ziddi, but I can make all that go away, help release some sexual tension"

My heart was racing "No, thanks, I have to go now, bye" I rushed forward only to hear my scarf rip, I didnt care for it right now, I just wanted to leave

He grabbed my arm, "Think about it Zoya, ill give you the time of your life" he let go and I ran, not stopping until I reached outside

"Why were you running for, I was calling your name for ages" I heard Adi from behind me

I didnt want to turn around, I knew I was crying and I didnt want him to ask me questions I couldnt answer. "Im just in a rush, see ya tomorrow"

Adi gripped my arm, making me hiss painfully, then he turned me around. "You're crying, why are you crying Zoya, has someone said something" he glanced down at my arm to see red finger marks

"No, I just feel unwell"

"Who hurt you Zoya" his teeth were gritted, his eyes aflame in a way I had never seen before

"I just want to go home please" I wiped my tears

"Not until you tell me who hurt you"

I went to tell him, when I saw his good for nothing cousin walk outside "Bye guys" he sneered at me

I looked away, feeling sick. Adi was still looking at me for an answer

"I said, I just want to go home, you can't protect everyone Adi, it for sure isnt your job to protect me"

He raised a brow, his eyes narrowing "Hey, come here" he shouted to his cousin

He turned around, walking back

"Take her home please, I have a meeting to go to"

He smiled again, "It would be my pleasure to" he wrapped an arm round my shoulder, I cringed, moving away

"I can make my own way home"

Adi pulled me over to him, his eyes glancing over me to see my reaction when he touched me, the out of nowhere he clenched his fist, punching his cousin in the face, making him fall back "Dont you ever fucking touch her again, get out of here before I really lose my temper"

I looked up at him, then down to his bloody knuckle "How did you know"

He smiled "Because I know you Zoya"

Any ideas why Zoya is so keen on hiding her personality?