Disclaimer: I do not own The Nine Lives of Chloe King, sadly.
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Chapter 1 - Congratulations are in order
Chloe King is feeling really proud of herself for being one of the most successful journalists in the country. Being only 22, she's practically squealing every time she thought about it. Who would've thought she can achieve her dream in such a short time?
Sitting on her desk, she looked around her office, taking in the space, reminiscing her run ins for the magazine and relishing in the feel of finally establishing her career. Her office is relatively big; the walls are painted gray accented with light purple and are adorned with paintings and framed Egyptian artifacts. She always had a fascination with history of Egypt. With a massive window overlooking the city, a white sofa and a coffee table to welcome guests or hold quick interviews and a wooden desk, she smiled contentedly leaning back in her seat. All in all, her office looks chic and exuded professionalism with all the books lined up on her tall bookshelf.
Chloe is fearless when it comes to chasing a story. That exact quality is what led her to be the senior editor for the world-class magazine, The Verge. With a light knock on her door, she was taken out of her reverie. Quickly, she tried to listen to the overexcited girl in front of her.
"Oh my gosh, Chloe! Congratulations! What are you still doing here staring at nothing? We have to celebrate! Come on!" blabbered Amy while speed walking to her side and trying to get Chloe on her feet. Reluctantly, Chloe stood up and embraced her secretary and her best friend. "Thank you, Amy. I'm so excited! I never knew that the article was gonna be that big! I mean, Brian said it was great, but you know how Alek can be so condescending when it comes to my work." Chloe responded. Seeing the dash of disappointment in her eyes, Amy said, "Yeah, he's so disappointed with your work that he gave you a promotion instead." Sarcasm not lost to the writer.
"I bet he only did that because he's being forced to since Valentina liked it so much she basically ordered Alek to give me the promotion." She scoffed. "Oh Chloe, Chloe, Chloe. Quit stressing over his unprecedented rudeness and let's go to Joe's and celebrate!"
"Fine, fine. Just let me have a quick fix at my outfit and I'll be right behind you. I'll meet you and Paul there, okay?" Looking at Chloe skeptically, Amy shrugged and waved goodbye to her friend.
Sitting back down, Chloe took another glance at her office and started freshening up. When she heard her door click open, without looking up she said "I said I'll be right behind you, Amy. I just have to look a little more presentable so-".
"Actually, I think you don't look too bad, Miss King." Hearing a very distinct British accent, she stopped fidgeting and finally looked up. Her blue eyes connected with chocolate ones. Her motor skills soon lost its capabilities and she was just there, frozen shocked and confused. "Mr. P-Petrov." She stuttered, trying to unlock herself from the momentary frozen state she was in. Those eyes are to die for. What the hell are you thinking, Chloe! Get your head out of the gutter! She thought.
Alek Petrov stood in the middle of her office clad in a crisp white dress shirt that is perfectly showing off his lean body and black pants with his Italian shoes. Amused by her reaction, he quickly placed his briefcase on the sofa and strutted towards Chloe. Taking in the woman dressed in a silk black dress that stops just above her knees, he took a breath calming himself and reeling in the desire that's going straight to his groin. This is a bad idea, I shouldn't have gone here. She's breathtaking, I just want to kiss her jaw lightly and put my hands on her hips and-whoa. Don't go there, Petrov, you know you can't do that. She human. Get a grip! Listening to the voice in his head, he masked his growing need and focused on Chloe. "What's the matter Miss King, cat got your tongue?" He smirked stopping in front of her desk.
Finally freeing herself from being frozen, she tries to come up with a witty comeback but none came to mind. Sighing she settled with, "What are you doing here, Mr. Petrov?" Sensing that his senior editor is getting frustrated by his mere presence, he cocked an eyebrow at her. "A little too feisty tonight, aren't we?" Alek quipped. Chloe gave him a look that said what-the-hell-is-it-this-time. He continued saying, "I just came by to give you my congratulations. I think it's only appropriate that we celebrate as you're productiveness and creativity is making me richer by the hour. How about some drinks, Chloe?"
Stunned by the invitation, she closed her eyes and was thinking of an excuse to not say yes. Then she remembered about her promise to come by Joe's. "Actually, I'm on my way to Joe's, I'm celebrating with some friends." She responded, not looking at him as she quickly tried to put all her stuff into her purse. What she didn't see was a flash of disappointment that crossed Alek's face. He replaced it immediately with an arrogant face and plastered his infamous smirks and said, "Perfect. It's settled then, I'll join you."
At that, Chloe's head snapped up, seeing a mischievous look on her boss' face, she protested. "What! No, you're not!" Amused and pumped at seeing her reaction he said, "And why is that? You know I always get what I want."
Knowing that he's probably gonna hold her at her office until she caved in, Chloe sighed defeated and said, "Fine, but you leave in an hour." She walked around her desk and through her door not even glancing back. This is gonna be a long night.
