Saved By The Ceo
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: All In A Days Work
Melissa
As your best friend S, it's my duty to tell you, it's about time we found you a man
Melissa pointed out casually as we sat in my office.
Scarlett
I have priorities Melissa, and romance is not at the top of my list unfortunately for you
I replied rolling my eyes.
Melissa
Well, I for one, think it should be.
she stated in a very matter-of-fact tone.
Scarlett
Well, it's not. End of discussion.
Melissa
You're twenty-three years old, and you haven't been in a long-term relationship for---
Scarlett
Melissa. Seriously, my work comes first.
Scarlett
Relationships? Let's not.
I replied in a bored tone.
Melissa
Your work, huh? Or maybe it's the person you happen to work for!
She grinned, raising her eyebrows up to the heavens as if she'd made some ground-breaking discovery.
Scarlett
Yes, I work for Jasper Mir Queen! Yes, I am his secretary and yes - only his secretary!
I snapped, scrunching up the piece of paper in my hand.
Melissa stayed quiet for a few minutes as I felt a little guilty for snapping.
Melissa
He's hot, thought, there's no denying that!
She grinned breaking the silence while winking at me
Scarlett
Lord knows you would be fired in a heartbeat if you worked for Mr. Queen
Scarlett
While I am not denying that he is good looking---
Jasper
Who's good looking?
A deep voice interrupted from behind me as I swivelled my chair around to meet his gaze.
I felt my face flush as I locked eyes with this insanely handsome man, his electrifying blue-green eyes. tousled dark hair which gave him that sexy bedhead look, his angular jaw and his perfect muscular physique-- the total package if not for his narcissistic, douchebag personality.
He folded his arms, not taking his eyes off me.
Melissa
I'd best get going before my boss skins me alive.
Melissa spoke, turning to Jasper.
Melissa
Mr. Queen, I'll have the blueprint sent directly to you by tomorrow.
He nodded as Melissa smirked before slinking out the door.
Jasper
I'm still waiting, Miss Valentina
Scarlett
Just a person I happened to know, Mr. Queen
I shrugged becoming irritated.
Scarlett
Did you need something?
Jasper
As a matter of fact, Scarlett, yes I do. I have a business meeting to attend in Paris in few weeks time, and I would like for you to accompany me.
Scarlett
Of course, Mr Queen. Is there else you'd like me to do?
I asked throwing the remains of my lunch away.
Jasper
I have some notes which need to be typed up from last night's meeting, and I'll need you to write out a few emails for me.
Jasper
I am also hosting a party in honour of the company's success tommorow night.
Jasper
Will I have the pleasure of seeing you there?
He smiled charmingly as we walked towards his office.
Scarlett
I'm afraid not. Parties are not really my thing.
I shrugged as I got down to business on those notes.
Jasper
What is your thing then, Miss Valentina?
Scarlett
Well, Mr Queen, If I told you, Id have to kill you
I smiled as I carried on typing.
Jasper
You really are something else Scarlett
He chuckled, swinging his legs onto his large oak desk, resting his hands behind his head.
Scarlett
Something else indeed
I muttered, wondering how, after an entire year of working for him he still drove me (and my hormones) crazy.
Jasper
Have you taken a look at the company plan to expand yet?
He asked suddenly after a few moments of silence.
Scarlett
Yes, it looks to be a great asset for the future of the company, Mr Queen
I replied, reminding myself of the rage he had when the plans were incomplete.
Jasper
Jasper, Scarlett-- my name is Jasper.
He corrected, annoyance evident in his voice.
Jasper
I am not my father.
Scarlett
Yes, of course, Mr Queen.
I replied knowing it would continue to frustrate him.
Jasper
Like I said-- something else
He sighed, sliding his iPhone out of his pocket.
Jasper
You can go now, its almost eight. You were supposed to have the afternoon off anyway.
YES, BUT IT'S A DAMNED SHAME YOU CAN'T SEEM TO REMEMBER THAT UNTIL IT SUITS YOU, I thought sarcastically.
I glanced at my watch and stood up. I grabbed my coat and handbag and put the notes into a pile on his desk.
Scarlett
Good night, Mr Queen
Jasper
Good night, Miss Valentina
He smiled showing off his perfect set of pearly whites as I gave him a quick wave.
Melissa's voice called out as she came up behind me.
I responded, dragging out each syllable.
Melissa
So... What happened?
She squealed excitedly clapping her hands together as I stared at her in disbelief.
Scarlett
I've been working for him for a year now, so, since when have you been so hell-bent on joining us together in holy matrimony?
Melissa
You'll see. You'd make one hell of a sexy couple
She grinned much to my annoyance.
Scarlett
Right. Why are you still here? What happened to 'my boss is going to skin me alive'?
Melissa
I wanted to give my favourite couple some space to---
Scarlett
Finish that sentence, and I swear I will kill you
I glowered at her as she held her hands up.
Melissa
Okay, so, Jasper's got his party thing going on tomorrow, so we need to go shopping. I deserve to treat myself.
I replied as we got into her car.
She and I lived around fifteen minutes apart as she shared an apartment with her boyfriend Blake.
Whom I just happened to despise.
Melissa
S, you have pointed out several times you are Jasper's secretary, so it's only fair to him that you're there.
Scarlett
He seemed pretty okay with me not being there.
Melissa
I swear to God, your such an idiot Scarlett (sighed)
Melissa
You are going, You're not going to be an anti-social recluse all your life.
Scarlett
But I already told him---
Melissa
You are going, and that's final. You need to learn to live in the moment and just enjoy yourself; you owe yourself that much, Scarlett.
Scarlett
Look, I don't need any unwanted attention. It isn't worth it
I responded, trying to reason with her although I knew she was right.
Melissa
Scarlett, you need to relax, he's not coming back. Not now. Not ever.
I thought about it, wondering just how much longer the memories of him were going to haunt me, for how much longer was I going to allow him to continue controlling my life.
I relented, shaking my head.
Scarlett
It is about damn time I reclaimed my life.
Melissa
That's what I like to hear!
Melissa cheered as I laughed, knowing I would be totally lost without her.
I relaxed a little, telling myself that this was going to be the first step towards creating a brand-new life for myself, a life where I wouldn't constantly be looking over my shoulder, or jumping whenever the phone rang-- this was the first step towards recovery.
Approximately three and a half hours later, Melissa had finally broken her 'stop-til-you-drop' record as she waltzed into her apartment, her arms laden with a multitude of bags.
Scarlett
Thank God it was closing time
I laughed, pouring myself a glass of wine.
Scarlett
I was pretty much ready to pitch a tent and start toasting marshmallows.
Melissa
Oh, don't exaggerate, you know I'm the best person to go shopping with
she smirked, turning her attention to her buzzing phone.
Melissa
Blake just texted. He's coming over in a few minutes to sample his latest song-- the perks of being a musicians girlfriend!
Melissa knew just how deep my hatred for Blake ran yet she never took my concerns seriously.
Not that I could blame her, for who would take advise from a woman whose interactions with men usually ended in disaster?
I tried to smile genuinely, knowing she'd see right through it.
Scarlett
I'll be off anyway, see you tomorrow.
Melissa
Are you sure you won't stay? Come on Scarlett, I've told you-- he's a change man
Scarlett
Melissa, I've told you, I am not going to sit here and pretend to love Blake, because I really don't
Scarlett
I'd better get going.
Throwing my coat over my shoulders, I left Melissa's apartment.
MAYBE ONE DAY SHE'LL SEE SENSE AND KICK HIS *** TO THE CURB, I thought, as I reached my apartment.
Letting myself in, I flopped onto the couch and opened my laptop to check my emails: one from Jasper and one from my lawyer, Catherine. Because calling your client or sending them a letter was totally overrated.
I sighed as I opened Jasper's.
Jasper: Still cannot convince you to attend the celebratory party, Miss Valentina?
I smiled as I began typing out a reply.
Scarlett: As a matter of fact, Mr Queen, you may. I have been told to live a little recently courtesy of Melissa, so, yes, I will be in attendance.
As I waited for his reply, I opened the email from my lawyer, feeling my blood cold as my eyes could only focus on these godforsaken words.
I blew out an exasperated sigh, unable to believe that my legal battles were about to repeat themselves yet again.
My inbox pinged, suddenly, breaking my chain of thought as I clicked open the email from Jasper.
Jasper: Good to hear that Scarlett. Although I'll have you know, you would have ended up coming anyway. Women never refuse me. Ever.
I smiled at his unapologetic arrogance which probably explained his not-so-hot reputation when it came to 'relationships'. Jasper had never been in a relationship for more than three weeks and even then, he'd be a boyfriend to five other women.
Scarlett: I don't doubt it
Scarlett: Goodnight, Mr Queen.
Setting my laptop onto the coffee table, I decided it was time I got some shut eye; I knew tomorrow was to be a whole new battle.
Chapter 2
Oliver
Come here, Lettie, my love
he cooed holding the barbed wire in a leather clad hand as I remained frozen.
Oliver's Woman
You heard what he said-- Get up
His current muse smirked sadistically, pulling my hair as I lay on the floor, the blood seeping through my clothes. She successfully dragged me to my father who pulled the back of my shirt down, chocking me before pressing the wire into my skin as I screamed in agony.
Oliver
I'll show you what happens when you get the socials involved in my life, my sweet child
Oliver's Woman
Wait, Oliver!
The woman shrieked. I almost sighed in relief thinking she wanted him to spare me.
Oliver's Woman
Tell her to shut her goddamn trap, I don't need more cops tailing my ***, your drug deals are enough to get me fucked.
He smirked rolling his eyes before he continued to press the wire deep into back as the blood tickled down my spine. I howled in pain before everything went colourless.
I screamed as I open my eyes, my bod dripping with sweat. Breathing heavily, I got up to open a window.
I hadn't had a dream like that in months.
I peeled back my sweat drenched pajamas, examining my God-awful body in the mirror; the fleshy scars on the barbed wire etched just below the back of my neck, the large pink scar at the side of my body and the scar of a blade carved deep into my shoulder.
And the worst of them: the dark scar that ran from my hip to just below my breastbone.
I closed my eyes trying to snap out of it as I stepped into the shower, attempting to wash away the sins, memories and guilt of my past.
As soon as I'd finished, I quickly changed into a red dress paired with my favourite Louboutin's.
Serving as Jasper's secretary did come with it's perks, I thought as I applied some make up, finishing with a dash of red lipstick before trying my hair into a loose bun allowing my bangs to flow freely. I grabbed my handbag and coat and strolled to work.
Christine
Morning Scarlett
The company receptionist smiled warmly as I walked past the front desk.
Scarlett
Morning, Christine. How our boss feeling today?
Christine
On a scale of one to ten, I'd say we're looking at around five to six.
She laughed as I joined in.
Christine
He seems to be in a good mood. Good luck, anyway!
Scarlett
Thanks, Christine
I smiled as I got into the elevator. I opened my office door, placing my bag and coat away before sitting at my desk to make a few phone calls.
I quickly arranged for some flowers to be sent to his latest (soon to be ex) girlfriend along with the custom made its-not-you-its-me card, just to make them feel that little bit more special before being dumped - Jasper Queen was a total jackass when it came to women.
Too much money and not enough sense, I'd always thought.
Jasper
Good morning Scarlett.
I looked up from my desk as he closed the door behind him. He was wearing black trousers and a crisp white shirt with a grey tie, his dark hair was styled messily to perfection - goddamn, did this man know how to dress to impress.
Scarlett
Good morning, Mr Queen.
Scarlett
The flowers you wanted have been sent for Miss Rose.
Jasper
Ah, Miss Rose. It's a shame she was nothing like a rose, more like a dandelion or a weed
He muttered as I stifled a laugh. He smirked, folding his arms.
Jasper
Do I amuse you, Miss Valentina?
Scarlett
You really are what one would call the original Casanova, Mr Queen. Poor girl
I said sadly as he laughed.
Jasper
Please, Scarlett, the woman had not a clue in hell how to please a man sufficiently.
Scarlett
Too much information
I said sternly as he grinned.
Oh, boy, I could sense I'd opened up a can of worms.
Jasper
If you think that's bad, there was one girl---
Scarlett
Mr. Queen! May I take this as an opportunity to remind you that you have a meeting with Mr Haynes?
I interrupted as I put on my glasses.
Scarlett
No. only your sex does
Jasper
Why? Nobody has ever complained before.
Scarlett
Your meeting with Mr Haynes is scheduled to begin in 3 minutes.
Jasper
I can't stand him. God knows what the hell he wants
Scarlett
Two minutes, Mr Queen
I urged raising an eyebrow.
Jasper
Yes, Miss Valentina
he gave me a mock salute and walked out of my office before popping his head in again.
Jasper
That dress compliments your already delectable backside very well by the way. You should wear it more often.
I yelled, my face growing red as I heard him laughing out the door.
Fifteen minutes later as I finished making a new phone calls there was a know on the door.
Taylor greeted, a breakfast tray in his hand.
Scarlett
Morning, Taylor. How can I help you?
Taylor
Look, Scarlett, I would never normally ask, but would you mind--
Scarlett
Of course not, Taylor. Judging by the look on your face, I can see Jasper Queen is keeping you guys pretty busy
I smiled, taking the tray from him.
Taylor
God, thanks, Scarlett
He sighed, his hands in his pocket.
Taylor
He called me at one in the goddamn morning, would you believe? The man is forking out a shit-ton of money for this party tonight, I don't know how we're going to manage.
Scarlett
Well he'd be an idiot to ask anyone else but you, Taylor
I replied, genuinely, attempting to placate him.
Taylor
Yeah, because he knows any other chef wouldn't hesitate to poison him
he frowned, as I laughed.
Taylor was one of the first people I'd made friends with when I first started working for Jasper, it was a hell of a lot better than having to make small talk with the 'office bimbo's' as Taylor referred to them.
Taylor
I don't know how you do it Scarlett, Jasper is not the easiest of people to work with. He went through about eight other women before you, all of whom didn't even last him a month before he fired them. You've been working for him for almost a year now - he really does like you!
He countered, raising an eyebrow.
Scarlett
Well he is my boss and although he does get slightly... impatient at times, he is a very thoughtful man.
Taylor
Whatever you say, Scarlett.
Taylor smirked before existing the office.
Shaking my head, I stepped out of my office and into the lift. I slowly opened the door to his office and walked in.
I smiled politely at the handsome man sat there who I assumed was Vincent Haynes.
Scarlett
I'm very sorry about the delay Mr Queen, something needed taking care of downstairs.
I'd noticed the man was not dressed formally in a suit and tie but rather in jeans and T-shirt.
That was odd. Usually Jasper's clients were always wearing suits with their fancy ties.
Jasper
Don't worry about it, Scarlett. Vincent, this is my secretary Scarlett Valentina, Scarlett this is Vincent Haynes.
Jasper muttered, rolling his eyes as Vincent turned to face me.
Vincent
It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Valentina.
He kissed the top of my hand.
Scarlett
The pleasure is all mine, Mr Haynes. Please, call me Scarlett.
Scarlett
Would you like some coffee?
Vincent
No, thank you, Scarlett and please, call me Vincent.
I looked over at Jasper, his jaw was tense, his eyes burning through Vincent's soul. I narrowed my eyes at him wondering just what the hell his problem was.
He looked at me and he stiffened.
Jasper
You may leave now, Miss Valentina.
He spoke through gritted teeth.
Scarlett
Of course, Mr Queen.
I smiled, feeling a little awkward.
Vincent
See you later Scarlett, it was nice meeting you.
Vincent smiled as I walked out.
Scarlett
Nice to meet you too, Vincent.
I said, aware of Jasper's steely gaze on me.
An hour later later, as I was finishing my phone call with an investor, my mobile phone rang.
Catherine
Good morning, Scarlett
Catherine
I have some important things we need to discuss.
Scarlett
Can we briefly outline them before we meet?
Catherine
You're father has a court hearing in a few months and we may possibly be considering starting a new appeal.
Jasper's booming voice sounded as he flung the door open.
I mouthed pleadingly. He stood against the door folding his arms and tapping his foot impatiently, glaring at me.
Catherine
Scarlett, in less than four months he could be running scot-free if we don't make this appeal.
I whispered not trusting myself to speak.
Catherine
We need to get things moving along, when can we meet?
Scarlett
Tommorow at eight, I will come by your office.
Catherine
I don't want you taking up any stress because of this. Remember, you have the best team behind you and we'll get him locked up for good, Scarlett. I'll see you tomorrow.
Scarlett
Goodbye, Catherine.
I replied miserably momentarily forgetting Jasper was right there.
Scarlett
Sorry, Mr Queen, what did you need?
Jasper
Scarlett, what was that about?
He asked walking towards me but instead there was concern in his eyes rather than anger.
Scarlett
Nothing, Mr Queen, it's fine.
Jasper
Yes, that explains why you're all pale and dazed!
He said sarcastically sliding his arm around my waist and hauling me towards a chair. I couldn't notice how perfectly moulded his hand felt around my waist but I immediately brushed away the thought.
Scarlett
I'm fine, Mr Queen, I just need to get my breath back
I smiled putting my hand in his, his eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he smiled and relaxed squeezing my hand.
Highly unprofessional? Yes, but neither he or I did anything about it as we sat in silence until I stood up.
Scarlett
I'm sorry about that, was there anything you needed?
Jasper
Scarlett, I won't ask you again, what was that about?
Scarlett
It's none of your business Mr Queen, there are some things in my life I wish to keep private!
Jasper
Well, in that case, don't bring your private life into my office while you're working!
Jasper
I don't pay you to chat on the phone all day Scarl---
Vincent
Whoa there! is everything okay?
Vincent asked walking in.
Jasper
Everything is perfect fine, HAYNES.
Jasper said through greeted teeth.
Vincent
Doesn't look very fine to me QUEEN! Scarlett? You okay?
Scarlett
Yes, I'm fine, Mr Queen and I just had a slight disagreement.
Vincent
You better not have done anything to this young lady Jasper, the entire universe knows of reputation with women.
Vincent said warningly at Jasper.
Jasper
What are you trying to say Vincent? Because the last woman you bedded was the girlfriend of your own brother so don't talk to me about my reputation with women. I NEVER lay a hand on Scarlett.
YEAH, BECAUSE SHE'S UGLY, I thought. HA, WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THE SCARS!
Vincent
I'd advise you to keep your fucking mouth shut, asshole
Jasper
And I'm advising you to **** off
Scarlett
Okay, let's just stop there! We have all agreed that everything is perfectly fine, let's just leave it at that shall we, gentleman?
I intervened before I had to write another police statement and end up with court. AGAIN. They both looked at me as I switched my gaze from Jasper to Vincent.
Vincent smiled giving me a kiss on my cheek.
Vincent
Would this be a wrong time to ask for your number?
Scarlett
Yes. Yes, it would Vincent.
I gave a fake smile as he winked.
Vincent
There's always next time.
He smirked stopping to give Jasper a long, hard glare before leaving.
I also mumbled in agreement thinking he didn't hear.
Jasper
You don't like him?
Scarlett
I don't know him well enough to decide that. But he does seem a little off
I admitted, my eyes not meeting his.
Jasper
Look at me, Scarlett.
His tone authoritative and dominating.
Jasper
If he ever shows up again I don't want you alone with him, you're to alert me asap. He's scheming son of a bitch and I don't even want you anywhere near him - be it at work or elsewhere - is that clear?
Scarlett
Mr Queen,I assure you I ca---
Jasper
SCARLETT! Do I make myself clear?
Scarlett
No, actually, you don't. But let me help you out
I snapped, glaring at him.
Scarlett
I am not your bitch nor do I belong to you. You cannot dictate who I choose to speak to or see in my private life.
Scarlett
And I'd also appreciate if you could refrain from using that tone on me. It might work on your dog, but it doesn't work on me.
Grabbing the stack of papers on my desk, I brushed past him and made my way to the photocopying room, still a little out of breath.
Jasper and I had become very much used to each other but every now and then the asshole inside him would try my patience and it pissed me off that he thought I'd keep quiet today.
Sighing, I knew what was next: my twenty-six year old boss transitioning into a five year old in a strop.
Oh, so I couldn't wait for this week to be over.
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play
