Karma 17

I arrive at work early, dressed in a plaid pant suit. This is my favorite of the clothes Mr. Thorne bought. And, given how frequently I intend to wear it, it may become my trademark. It fits perfectly and accentuates my figure and height, giving me a boss lady and powerful vibe.

Most of my workmates seem surprised when they see me. As I get close to my desk. I note a bouquet of roses on my desk. I get curious taking quick strides. Before I can check them I note that Mr. Thorne is already in his office. I check my phone to confirm the time again. I am still early. His eyes bore through mine. But my excitement gets over me and I turn my attention back to the flowers. I pick the note in them.

Be my date this Saturday. Oliver.

It is straightforward, with no corny colloquialisms. I look again and discover five bars of white chocolate. I’d say they make up for the lack of lovey-dovey words because each has a message and is made for each day until Saturday.

My telephone suddenly rings, and I look up Mr. Thorne has his pressed his ear. I sit and pick it up.

“Where is my coffee?” He asks.

I roll my eyes, the man can stand to see me happy and I am not going to let him steal it.

“I will get it.” I say instead and hang up. However, I don’t act I just admire the roses as I read the sweet message on the chocolate. Again, the phone rings. I absent minded pick it up.

“Why are you still there? I need my coffee now!” He throws a tantrum ending the call.

Perhaps what he needs is a diaper change. The thought makes me smile. When I look up, he has a scowl on his face. I quickly wipe down my desk and its components. Once done, I strategically place my roses so that when Mr. Thorne raises his head, that is all he sees. It’s going to be a damn good day.

I am yet to take those coffee brewing classes that Mr. Thorne demanded. I check my desk to find the note Janine gave me with important numbers. I find the contacts written La Cooper. I stand and head towards the staff kitchen as I order coffee and pastries.

Once done I decide to make myself a cup of coffee. Clara walks in, she rolls her eyes when she sees me. I bite my tongue when I am tempted to say something horrible at her.

Not today, i look too good to ruin my look with scowl.

“You look unconventional today.” She comments. “Working for Christian is doing you good.” She seizes me up and down.

“Are you here to misinform me yet again?” I squarely ask.

“Did he give those flowers to you?” She inquires cautiously.

“That is definitely none of your business.” I say harshly.

“Today Mr. Thorne came in too early and saw him on your desk with the flowers.” She comments.

“He is the boss.”

“I heard that you went to Dubai with him.” She don’t know when to stop.

“I am his assistant.”

“The previous one didn’t travel with him.” She repeats the same infamous statement that has aged badly to my ears.

I open my mouth to speak but she beats me to it. ” You should be careful of that couple.” She adds.

That gets my attention and momentarily the surprise throws me off guard but I am quick to let it wear off and compose myself.

“What do you want, Clara? you surely didn’t walk in her to spew your nonsense, did you?” I question her impatiently. My coffee is getting cold.

“Things have changed since you showed up.” she says, taking a small step towards me. “— particularly with Mr. Thorne and his wife,”

“Like I suspected, you have nothing significant to say,” I say as I walk out of the kitchen, stepping around her small stature. I walk to the elevator to pick up my orders outside.

After I pick the coffee and pastries, I return to my floor to deliver them to Mr. Thorne.

I unconsciously push his door and walk in without knocking. I don’t know if he notices and when I wait for his uproar and insults like the first time. They never come. This time, I ensure I am careful as I place his coffee on his table.

“Wait! “I turn to walk away, but his voice stops me.

I swivel around and raise my eyebrow in a questioning manner. He takes a sip of his coffee and takes his time to savor it.

“You are teachable, after all.” He says and takes another sip. It is like he was expecting I bring him coffee from the staff kitchen like last time.

Perhaps I should have. Only that would have resulted in my dismissal. That is not what I am looking for. Cassandra has blackmailed me several times in a week, which is not something I take lightly. I’ll play her game while I investigate her. I am Karma, and I am the one who blackmails, not the other way around. When I’m finished with her husband, I’ll go after her. I did not become Karma by chance

Now I have to figure out how to seduce a man to fall for me madly. Something that I have never succeeded in, my father couldn’t even love me as an infant. Sometimes i feel like a house no one wants to live in. Nonetheless, i repeatedly expose myself to the source of my fear. Over and over, proving myself right.

“Your classes to hone your skills will begin this evening.” He moves his gaze to the idle extravagant coffee machine in the corner of his vast office.

“My skills don’t need sharpening,” I say in a sultry feminine voice walking to his desk. “You know that by now.” I can’t help myself.

His eyes hold mine as I take calculative steps towards him. A muscle ticks in his jaw and I stop a decent step away from him. I am aware that anyone can see through the glass.

“What are you playing at?” He asks and honestly I neither know but I must try to see how far I can get.

My eyes travel up to his face, remembering his hands, rough fingers brushing over my skin. I regret not memorizing the tattoos that cover his skin.

“Nothing I haven’t tried before,” I say.

He opens his mouth but the door is open as Ava steps in and I have to step back.

“Ava?” He seems surprised to see her.

“I need to speak to you,” She summarizes and looks up at me, “alone.” she is specific.

I say hi to her and walk out. As soon as I sit down, Clara comes over. I can’t get away from her.

She smiles, “The other coworkers asked me to invite you for after-work drinks.” She says.

“Thanks. I will remember to come.” I say.

“Cool,” she says and disappears.

I check my diary to see Mr. Thornes’s day. I am getting a hang of this job though I have a lot to learn.

Mr. Thorne is scheduled to meet with Mr. Jackson. When I look over, he is still talking to Ava. He has stated that he despises being late for meetings. I rise and walk back to his office to remind him of his meeting. Ava appears to be irritated by this action. But it delights me when Mr. Thorne dismisses her and we leave for his meeting.