Wrongful desires, p.4
Wrongful Desires, page 4
"Can't you see I have almost lost one of my biggest clients?" Damien boomed, his voice thick with rage. Lucas didn't flinch and instead smiled sarcastically,
"She was right, you do not give a shit about anyone below your status and the fact that it took a young eighteen-year-old woman to point that out is says something-"
"Enough," Damien threatened, "No Damien," Lucas yelled back, standing up in a flash. "You hurt her, you did and you have left her hurting from your selfishness and lack of manners. You don't give a fuck, you apologise or this friendship of five years is over. I mean it," with that, Lucas left. Damien fell back into his chair and cursed at his mistakes as he turned to view out of his window - his face, for the first time, fell with regret.
An End to Bitterness
~ Narrator ~
Joy spent the evening and some of the night, strolling the elegant streets close to her residence. She decided it was time to go back, it was after seven when this all erupted so Harry was already asleep and she was thankful as abandoning her duties would make her even more replaceable. She climbed over the gate, not wanting to use the call button and surprised herself how easy it was to leave and enter the estate.
She hesitantly walked up the driveway and into the house, she came into view of her room as a door opposite her opened - it was Damien. He appeared restless and sleep-deprived, his tie was no longer and a small bit of stubble was visible in the darkness of the corridor. His eyes fell on Joy as he put away his keys in his pocket - his car keys.
"I was just about to go out to go find you," he muttered, relieved at her presence. Joy gazed up in sadness, she had no more anger over this petty situation and went to open her door. Damien didn't halt her, and just opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by the soft shut of her door. She dragged her heavy body towards the bed and slipped out of her jeans.
She didn't bother to change out of her other clothes, she didn't have the physical or cognitive strength to deal with one more issue. She lay in bed, feeling weak and stupid - she just wanted to feel as if she belonged somewhere and her presence was appreciated. Instead, she was in a world, where even her own boss judged her lifestyle and career choices. She snuggled into the bed, and closed her eyes and hoped for a brighter tomorrow.
Joy awoke to the incoming sunlight, it was her own alarm clock - she stretched and yawned whilst deepening herself into the covers. Getting out of bed every morning was a challenge due to the cosy bed, however this morning it seemed impossible. Joy's solution was to bring the covers with her, in an attempt to hide her anxieties from herself as she got ready. She chooses a mint coloured cardigan top that draped off her shoulders, paired with some skinny jeans and trainers.
She washed her face and applied some mascara and lip balm, she couldn't afford up until now anything else but she preferred the more natural appearance to highlight and not camouflage her facial features. She brushed out her hair down her back and applied some clips to the front to keep the story away from dangling in front of her face, she breathed deeply and decided it was time to get Harry up for breakfast.
She opened the door to find a plant pot of orchids and a basket of tea, with a note that was addressed to her. She gasped and looked around the corridor in hopes to catch someone as they walked off, but nothing. She knelt towards the basket of tea and delicately pulled out the letter,
Miss Mulberry,
It has come to my attention that was pointed out by you and my staff that I am terrible at apologies - not only issuing them but owning up to them.
I firstly wanted to say, what I said was wrong and even though I know a face to face ownership of wrongdoing is preferred - I didn't want to burden you with my presence. You are young, however, that does not mean you are a child and you do an excellent job of taking care of my son, please never second guess that. I will talk to my staff and tell them the same thing - I do not want you to feel embarrassed in the workplace, as it is also your home. I also wanted to offer you my humblest apologies and promise that said action will never be repeated. If you desire to leave, I understand and will, with your permission, help you find suitable arrangements.
The planted orchid is better than a bouquet, so you can persevere its beauty.
The best, Damien
~ Joy ~
I kept re-reading the note - the apology sounded sincere and I appreciated he dropped the formality for his name. I shuffled through the box of rose and mint tea, expensive brands that smelt enchanting - I couldn't understand how he knew these were my favourite as he never took an interest in my life, so I thought. I collected the items and placed them in my room, I made sure the orchid was in the sunlight and left to wake up Harry.
****
"Hmmm those look yummy," Harry pulled his eyes over the counter as I made pancakes, he tried to grab the syrup but I swiped it away and tutted. "Sit down at the breakfast table and I'll pile you up a plate," I replied sweetly, as I served up pancakes loaded with fresh fruit. At the corner of my eye, I saw Damien enter the room in a navy blue suit, his hair damp from a shower and his body tense. He went to pour himself a coffee beside me, I could hear his deep breathing as I decided it was time to show my forgiveness,
"Pancakes Mr Garcien?" I asked, holding up Harry's plate as I let a small smile escape my lips. He lifted up his glance in pure shock, but quickly covered it by sending me a smile back - a genuine one.
"Those are mine!" Harry whined, I chuckled as I placed the plate in front of him and began pouring more mixture into the pan.
"It's Damien, please," He responded, holding a small cup of strong coffee, "I have a breakfast meeting, so I won't this morning Miss Mulberry but thank you for the kind offer." He brought the cup to his lips, his gaze still rested on me, "Joy, please," I insisted as I returned to flipping pancakes. He nodded in reply, trying to hide his beam of delight - I think we both felt relief that our row had come to an end, an end to the bitterness.
Harry was unfazed by our conversation as he shovelled pancakes at amazing speeds into his mouth, "Harry slow down," I cooed, adding two pancakes to his plate. He mumbled some incoherent sounds that were laced with annoyance, I chuckled at his protest,
"Joy is right Harry, manners please," Damien spoke with soft authority before walking past Harry - ruffling his hair on the route. He grabbed his briefcase from the side of the door and turned to us,
"Behave, Harry," he shot a cheeky glare at his son, "and Joy, enjoy your day." His voice was deep yet with kind undertones, I shot him a smile as I stacked up some pancakes on a plate for myself.
I went to sit next to Harry, who was gobbling up his last one - I sniggered as I began to fork mouthfuls of warm syrup and fruit into my mouth.
"What we having?" Lucas glided in and gave me a wink, before sticking his tongue out to Harry. I smiled and gestured towards another plate of pancakes to the left of the pan. "Take some," I welcomed and continued my breakfast. "I am full," Harry exclaimed rubbing his stomach as he turned to me for comfort. "Go and play in your room Harry, Joy will be up there after breakfast," Lucas spoke as he poured a despicable amount of syrup onto his plate, Harry stumbled out the door as Lucas sat next to me,
"So you have forgiven the beast?" He smirked as he stabbed at his food.
"Hm, how did you know," I queried.
"Because he wasn't sour on his way out this morning."
"Oh, well I am happy it's in the past. It was painful to stay mad, and his apology was humble."
"You must have hit a nerve, he has never even given flowers to a girl let alone a potted one," I was startled by his words as he slurped his syrup up. I pushed the final couple pieces of fruit around my plate, my gaze clearly sending out that I was clearly confused by his words. "Think he may have a soft spot for you," he sniggered, my body tensed up as I choked on my water and coughed loudly. "You okay?" Lucas asked as he placed a worried hand on my back.
"Um yes, sorry what did you just say?" I spluttered, Lucas removed his hand and tapped the side of his nose. I have been in too much drama these last few days that I do not need any more false gossip, I collected mine and Harry's plates and washed up before sending him a wave on my departure.
Harry and I spent the day watching movies as the weather was gloomy and miserable. I suggested board games or adventures with his marvellous toy collection, but he just wanted to watch obscene amounts of TV. I couldn't blame him, we all have days like that and I enjoyed the distraction the TV gave me whilst I pondered Lucas's words from breakfast. I assembled Harry and me some sandwiches for lunch, which we both picked at. Even though I was happy that this had come to an end, I couldn't help but feel replaceable still even though I wouldn't admit to it.
"Dad!" Harry shot up and ran to Damien who entered the room, he had a grin on his face as he dropped his bags to pick up his son. Their bond was strong, it must take a lot of trust in me to look after his treasured possession. Damien cuddled Harry before setting him on the ground, he came back up to the couch and snuggled back into the blanket with me. I paused 'The Good Dinosaur', and turned my gaze towards Damien who sat in the armchair beside us.
"I have some good news," he spoke softly, Harry's eyes widened at his father's words, "are we getting a dinosaur?" He questioned - his small face full of hope. I ruffled his hair as Damien let out a small laugh, "Sorry champ, maybe next time. We are going to Cyprus for a few weeks so I can review come business deals as well as a small holiday," his eyes glistened at the last word. I gulped, Harry started to jump on the couch in excitement as Damien concentrated his eyes on me. "I need to pack all my dinosaurs!" Harry ran off out of the room leaving me and him alone.
"I guess I have to deal with that later," I chuckled breaking the silence. Damien breathed and leaned forward to await my response to his news. I chewed my nails, my body couldn't force out an answer as I just shifted under the blanket.
"Joy it would be a pleasure for you to accompany us to Cyprus, as a nanny and my guest." his voice was warm and hopeful, my head span round at his words but his request seemed kind and I have always wanted to go to Cyprus.
"Of course, um when do we leave?" I queried, his hot gaze eased slightly as the anticipation left the room. "In a week, I hope that is okay that you are leaving your friends, family and boyfriend for a few weeks," Damien replied, he sounded respectful with good intentions however when he said the word boyfriend his eyes darkened for a split second.
"No problem at all, however, why do you suggest I have a boyfriend?" my response seemed innocent yet a sensual spell appeared in the room. He smirked and raised his eyebrows, he rubbed his rough hands together and moved his gaze to the floor before a professional look re-emerged on his face as he stood up straight. "I bid you a good evening, I will share more information of the trip over tomorrow's dinner - until then," he nodded and left the room. I remained on the sofa, puzzled at his words and query on my relationship status...
A Sweeter Turn
~ Narrator ~
"Harry, sweetie, wake up it's time to get dressed to go to the airport..." Joy cooed and she gently shook Harry awake, he yawned and climbed out of bed as she hoped him change into some dungarees and t-shirt. He started to wake up once he realised that the adventure to Cyprus was beginning, he grabbed his small rucksack and dragged it out of his room. Joy chuckled behind him as she pulled his suitcase with her, she wore a cream jumper that hung off one shoulder and leggings, her hair was tied back in a messy bun as she didn't feel this was the time to dress up considering their 5 am flight.
She yawned as she came into their corridor, pulling both her suitcase and Harry's behind her along with her handbag, a presence came up behind her as it tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped at the touch and turned her head in response, "Sensitive much?" Damien teased, wearing a white t-shirt that clung to his chiselled chest and black jeans - unusually casual. He had been spending more time with his son and Joy recently, dining with them for most meals and occasionally joining them for a movie.
He always sat with Harry, yet his eyes stayed on Joy. Joy breathed, "Not usually just um tired," she explained, a few locks of hair fell down her face as she talked. Damien scratched the back of his head and gave a small snigger, "May I?" he gestured to the suitcases to relieve them off of Joy. She hesitated as her eyes kept falling on his tight top, but allowed him to take the suitcases as she followed behind him. Joy he is thirty-two, way out of your league and a douche - absolutely not.
Joy watched Damien load the suitcases down the car as she helped Harry buckle in as Lucas and Neil began to lock up the house. Joy sat next to Harry, he was occupied by his iPad so she took this car ride as an opportunity to get some rest before he arrived at the bustling airport. Neil climbed in next to her, he smiled and went straight to his phone. She didn't really interact with him much as he was shy but she knew enough about him to get by.
Lucas jumped in the passenger seat and Damien hopped in the driver's seat, she glanced up and locked eyes with him in the mirror for a brief second before returning her gaze to her lap. Damien started the car, and the engine began to hum Joy to sleep. She lent on Harry's car seat, as she fell into a slumber, Lucas went to put the radio on before Damien slapped his hand away,
"Joy is sleeping," he whispered, pulling out into the street. Lucas smirked and turned around to see Joy curled up in her seat,
"She is so cute," Lucas stated and turned his head back to the road. Damien said nothing, as he continued their journey to the airport.
****
"Joy," Neil tapped her shoulder in an attempt to wake her. She shot up and looked around in a panic, he chuckled as she realised they had arrived at the airport. She sighed and took Harry's headphones off, "No I am watching my movieee," he moaned, "Come on we are here, you can finish it on the plane," she said sleepily. She helped him out of the car seat as Lucas got a trolley for their bags, Damien stood sorting through documents before placing them in his backpack. Joy carried Harry out of the car and settled him onto the floor, holding his hand so he didn't runoff. Once Lucas and Neil placed the bags on the trolley, they began to head towards the entrance as a valet attendant parked their car.
"Harry, Joy and I will head for security - you guys can check the bags in. We will meet you at the gate," Damien spoke calmly, letting his firm manner slip through his words. Lucas nodded and turned to the right whilst Joy and Harry followed Damien. Joy let her eyes fall to his tattoos that covered his arms, there were many small ones entangled within the grasps of larger ones. The only places she had seen he didn't have them were the palms of his hands and his head, they suited his complexion well though and added to his intimidating persona.
They passed through security with no issues and headed for the gate where they found seats, they sat in a row - Joy plunked down next to Harry however to her surprise Damien chose to sit next to her. He lent back in his seat and scrolled through his phone, Joy tucked her lugs underneath her and sat cross-legged on the seat as Harry continued his movie. She fiddled with the end of her jumper and nibbled at her lip, Damien noticed her actions and placed his phone away into his pocket.
"Ever been to Cyprus?" he questioned as he crossed his arms over his chest, Joy turned her head towards him and shook it, "No, you?" He gave a small laugh, "A few times." Joy nodded and stared at the floor, however she couldn't help but notice Damien's was still focused on her.
"So I was just wondering if you minded-" Damien began, "Oh my god! Joy?" a voice interrupted Damien causing Joy to look up.
"Becca?" she scrunched her face up in surprise, Becca flung her arms around her and squeezed until Joy felt her body turn numb. She turned her head towards Damien who looked a bit annoyed he was cut short but tried not to show it,
"How long has it been?" Becca questioned, releasing the hug and sitting on a free seat facing them. Joy moved her gaze towards Becca, she had wavy brown hair with a bright smile that was dressed in some glossy lipstick. She wore a cropped holster jumper with a black denim skirt and tights, her bags were propped up beside her covered in sloth stickers. She pulled out a giant two-litre water bottle, it was bright red and her body looked tiny in comparison. She sipped at the water bottle, her eyes widened to prompt an answer,
"Too long, six months or so I think," she finally responded. Becca nodded and looked towards Harry and Damien, she looked utterly shocked, "Oh my days, when did you have a kid? And how old is he?" Joy snapped her head up stunned at Becca's remark. "What no! Becca you have known me since middle school since when was I pregnant?" Joy replied defensively, as she noticed a chuckle escape Damien, "I'm his nanny and this is his father, my boss - Damien Garcien." Becca laughed, as Damien nodded in mention of his introduction,
"Hm okay I get it," she winked, Joy gave her a confused glare in reply, "what do you get?" she queried. Becca raised her eyebrows up in response and exchanged glances with Damien, Joy caught her trail of thought, "What? No, no and no. He is just my boss," she protested.
Joy shifted uncomfortably and began to chew her nails,
"So um, why you here?" Joy squeaked, Becca shoved her water bottle in her bag and turned her head towards a gentleman around their age. He had messy blonde hair, with glasses and a kind grin - he gave a small wave towards her and she shot back one of her winning smiles. "That's my boyfriend, Olly he is taking us to Cyprus," she stated, Joy gave her a soft smile.
"I am happy you guys finally got together, the flirting got very annoying," Joy joked, Becca giggled in reply. "Yeh, he came to my bar and asked me out. I just got back from training in the army and I have two weeks off, so he has whisked us off to Cyprus for one of those," her eyes brightened in happiness. "So," she continued, "tell me about you and what you have been up to," her head cocked towards Damien as she winked back at Joy.
