Chapter 1

I awoke to feeling a presence beside my bed, along with something stabbing into my arm. It felt akin to getting a flu shot, so I can only assume it was a needle injecting something into my system. Then, whoever it was threw a bag on my head and pulled me up and dragged me outside. Tying my hands and ankles together before throwing me into the backseat. Yeah, this is turning out to be a fantastic night for me. But, before I continue, I should probably start further back so it makes sense as to how I ended up nearly being murdered.

I'll start at five years ago, been in schooling for computer/electronics/robotics engineering type stuff despite my parents and boyfriend telling me it's a waste of time and I should become a book-keeper instead. In their eyes a book-keeper makes good money and is a perfect career for me, nice, simple and mundane. I've grown used to my family and friends putting me down ever so slightly, not believing how intelligent I am and thinking I should get a plain ass job like they have. Ian, my boyfriend, is going to get into an office job as well but he'll make a lot more money than I ever would as a book-keeper.

Anyway, I just got my final test results that tell me whether I passed my courses or failed. My heart pounded in my ears as the stress washed over me, part of me was cocky and knew there's no way I failed, but it was just false confidence. Honestly I was scared that I failed, because then my family would be proven right and I seriously didn't want that. I want to give that little jab that proves how intelligent I am, then maybe... I can finally stop working SO hard to make them happy...

I was sat on my parents couch—yes I still live with them—and carefully opened the envelope nervously. Holding my breath I slowly pulled the paper out and unfolded it, biting my lip while my hands shook slightly. My eyes scanned over the sheet, then I sharply inhaled and leapt off the couch.

"I passed..." I whispered to myself before basically shouting, "Oh my god I passed!!! Fuck yeah! I knew it!!" Due to my excitement I was jumping around in circles in the livingroom before dashing upstairs to show my parents. "Guys I passed! I could go work on transmitters, satellites and aerials or be a programmer or an engineer or database developer or all sorts of things! Isn't that awesome!?" I exclaimed enthusiastically, bouncing on the balls of my feet with the paper clamped in my hands.

My parents looked startled at my burst of energy entering their room and my mom replied, "oh, well... congratulations!" She seemed incredibly un-enthused and her smile was clearly forced, which made my heart sink a little.

My dad at least was better at faking excitement and happiness, "wow! Good for you!" I'm waitin for it, I know there's more he's gonna say. "Buuut..." yup, there it is, "do you think you could save those skills for... oh I don't know, this perfect desk job I've found for you?" 

I huff in annoyance, rolling my eyes. Seriously? They can't just be happy for me and let me do what I've been dreaming about my whole life? Although... I do want to make them happy... maybe a desk job could still use the skills I've grown, they usually involve computers after all... can't be THAT bad, right? With another sigh I questioned, "what kind of desk job and where?" 

Joy sparked through both their brown eyes, my dad explaining, "it's at this nice little design type place, you'd be the secretary/book-keeper. Answering the phone, filing things, that sort of stuff. Oh! And you do have a computer so that's good right?" I clenched my jaw, desperately trying to hang onto the sliver of happiness I still had while also not looking incredibly elated about sitting at a desk bored all day.

"I suppose I could check it out..." they shrieked in excitement, not hearing my muttered, "I guess..."

"I knew you'd like the idea! Here's the ladies number, just give her a call and she'll set up an interview! I already put in a good word for you so it's practically already yours!" He continued ruining my mood, but I plastered a smile on my face and replied, "thanks dad. Uhm.. I'm gonna go call Ian and tell him the news." With that I turned and left, feeling deflated practically instantly. At least my parents are happy though.

Ian was more ecstatic than they were, "wow really?! That's awesome babe! I knew you'd get a job no problem!"

"Y-yeah, I mean I technically don't have the job yet, still have to call this Angela chic."

"Yeah but you've got it in the bag! Being a secretary is such an easy job, you'll nail it."

"Thanks babe, anyway I should go so I can call her while it's still working hours. Talk later, love you." 

"Anytime babe, talk later!" The line went dead and I let out a small huff, taking another breath before calling Angela.

"Hello, Angela speaking."

"Hi there! This is Riona, um my dad saw you're in need of a secretary and said I should give you a call." I greeted a little awkwardly, every other job I've done was just through my parents line of friends and they paid me cash. This is the first I've applied for a job job.

"Oh hi! Yes, I briefly spoke with him earlier! He says you're the best for the position." She answered brightly, wow she sounds young. I didn't expect her to be young for some reason.

"Well at least he didn't say anything embarrassing." I joked since this seems very lighthearted.

She chuckled and said in a wistful tone, "well, there was this one story..." 

"Oh god." 

"There wasn't a story. Um sorry, anyway. About the job, are you free tomorrow to swing by?"

I thought for a moment and stated, "yeah I can do that, any specific time you'd like me to stop in or..?" 

"Would eight work for you?"

"Yeah that works, I'll see you then!" 

"Great, see you then!" She chirped then hung up. My hand fell to my side with a sigh of my dream dying. I guess at least as long as my family is happy I'll be okay, a desk job can't be that bad.

Looking over my superfluity of clothing I panicked about what I should wear for this interview, I assume dressy casual but what the hell outfit do I go with? I guess a classic skirt and dress shirt with matching pumps. I kind of wish I could get taller heels, I feel like the two inch ones make my legs look weird and short, but Ian is just barely taller than me and doesn't want me to be taller than him. Throwing my outfit on I hurriedly put my other clothes away and went to do something with my hair. I just ran a brush through it, smoothed out my skirt, slipped my shoes on and dashed out of the house. No ones home so there wasn't anyone to say bye to or wish me luck for the interview. Least my dad gave me the address of the place.

I pulled into the parking lot, obviously parked, went to get out but someone pulled into the spot beside me and nearly tore my door off. Luckily I had slammed it shut fast enough and sat glaring at the asshole who couldn't wait two seconds for me to be out of the way. Of course, he was ridiculously attractive looking with his short, dark brown—nearly black—hair and probably gorgeous eyes that didn't even glance in my direction. He was wearing a sharp, expensive looking suit with his tie loosely done up. Damn, he's actually really hot. I'd happily stare at him all day long if I didn't instantly wanna rip his head off for damn near ruining my already crappy car. I aggressively got out, shooting another death glare at him that he blissfully ignored as he sauntered into the building. I stood fuming a little, biting my tongue so I don't ruin my chances of a job before I even go in the building, then took a breath and made my way inside. 

A young woman around my age I'd guess was standing talking with the jackass that just walked in ahead of me. I managed to hear him ask her, "what are you doing out here? Spider in your office again?" 

She rolled her eyes and shot back, "no, Axel, I'm waiting for our possible new secretary. Am I not allowed to leave my office for whatever reasons I may have?" 

"We're getting a new secretary? Bout time." 

She gaped at him which made him chuckle, they seem like old friends. Not a very professional first impression I'm getting from this place, but... if I'm gonna wind up bored to death I wouldn't mind at least getting along with the people I work with. 

"Uh hi, I believe I'm the one you're talking about." I piped up, not wanting to get caught standing, listening in.

"Oh hi! Sorry, didn't even see you walk in! Talk later Axel." She exclaimed, saying a brief farewell to the douchebag before hurrying over to me to shake my hand, "I'm Angela, the manager around here. It's nice to meet you."

I smiled back, firmly shaking her hand as I replied, "Riona, nice to meet you too." 

"Alright well I'll just jump right in, what kind of hours are you looking for?" Isn't it usually 'what hours are you available'?

"I'm looking for full time hours, whatever days of the week is fine." I answered simply.

She asked me a few more questions before saying, "I think you'd be a great fit here, are you available to start tomorrow morning?"

"Yes I am, same time as today?"

"Yup! Let me just give you a quick tour so you at least roughly know where you're going tomorrow." She smiled, gesturing me to follow. "So this desk is yours, you might've already guess that though. Then if you go through this door here you'll find everyone elses work area. Over there is my office, feel free to come ask me questions about anything. We have a small lunch area but everyone just kinda eats at their desk or leaves for their lunch break, if you bring lunch the fridge is here. And uh yeah I think that's it. Oh! The bathroom is that door in the back over there. Any questions?"

I thought for a moment then shook my head, "nope, not at the moment anyway. I usually skip lunch, but there's the odd time I'll have salad so.. good to know about the fridge." 

"Wow really? You only eat salad?" A new voice butted in from beside us.

"Axel, don't be judging our new secretary." Angela scolded while I bit my tongue so I wouldn't admit I hate salad. This past year, since I'm now in my twenties, my friends have insisted I join them in this diet they decided to start. They say it's good to start now so we can't become fat when we hit our thirties and forties, I think it's a bunch of bullshit but... I want to make them happy so I'll at the very least try it and see how it goes.

"It's alright, I already got the impression we'll never get along considering he almost tore my car door off when he parked." I lightly informed, giving the dipshit a small glare.

"What? No I didn't." He had the audacity to deny.

"Mm yeah, actually, you did. I had my door partially open since I was getting out and then you sped into the parking spot next to me, almost tearing my door off." I stated, shifting my weight to one leg as I crossed my arms.

"I just parked like a normal person, I don't know what you're talking about." He scoffed, leaning back in his chair as he also crossed his arms, his stupidly gorgeous hazel eyes challenging me.

"You were too busy having your head up your ass to notice, so I'm not surprised." 

"Hey! Okay okay! Chill out you two, glad there's a wall separating your desks. Geez." Angela butt in, stepping between us.

"I don't know, I think it'd be quite entertaining not having the wall there." He replied smugly as he looked past her at me.

I glared at him then looked to Angela to nicely say, "I promise I won't cause any trouble around here, thank you for the job and I'll see you tomorrow." 

She smiled and returned, "we all lightly push buttons around here, long as no fists are thrown and cops don't have to get involved it's okay. We're happy to have you join this family."

I huffed a laugh through my nose and said, "I'm sure I'll love working with you all," *pause and dramatic look to the guy sitting* "except you." Looking back at my new boss I smiled and finished, "see you tomorrow!" Then I made my way back to my car, feeling better than I expected to walking out of that interview. Aside from the stupid dude with several sticks in his ass.

I have a feeling Axel and I will never get along.