Hey Rom-Cubs,

Who's with me so far? I hope that you're loving it as much as I am.

Here's the third installation.

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Enjoy! XD I know I do.

- Ang

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Oh dear God, why am I so proned to accidents, furthermore collisions involving Mr. Casimiro?

It wouldn't have been nearly as bad had it been a co-worker of mine. Well, maybe it would have been but certainly not as costly. It wouldn't have been this bad.

Colliding with my boss wasn't exactly at the top of my To-do list. Gosh, I felt like crying, I could lose my job over this or worst. There was no other establishment paying well enough to cover the cost of my papa's medical bills. I had looked everywhere but Niccolo's had been the answer to my prayers. Yes, the staff was mistreated in some accounts but it was a small price to pay to ensure my papa's wellness. He was all I had and I loved him beyond the stars.

Tey, my best friend, had always disliked the way the boss treated us and especially me but I always managed to keep her at bay. I couldn't afford to get fired nor could I go to work without having her there to have my back. Sure, Stephan would take care of me if Tey couldn't make it but I felt more comfortable with her.

Like all things, I had my reasons. Whenever Stephan and I worked together I was less talkative and more nervous. The roles were reversed when I was with Tey. I figured out that I was attracted to him about two months into working here. Just because I liked him didn't mean I was going to be less of a klutz around him. Let's just say, I'd have to walk with insurance. I couldn't do that. I couldn't even get each month's rent together without a few extra hours.

So, why would anyone, male included, want to clash with the man? He was so menacing ... so refined ... so large ... and so beastly.

No. Anyone deliberately seeking a clash with the boss either had a death wish or was too stupid or too blind to see that there was no good that would come of it.

Mr. Casimiro groaned in pain as the hot liquid settled into the fabric of his teal shirt. His jacket and slacks were untouched but it didn't take from the pained expression on his face. Heavens, he looked like he could strangle someone this very second. Though Mr. Casimiro lay on the tiled floors of the kitchen, no one dared moved from their stations and it was smarter not to do so or he would have our heads.

As work continued and the kitchen staff busied themselves trying to stay out of the boss' sights, his darkened eyes settled on me in anger. If possible, by now he would've bored holes in my head. It was only inevitable, my demise, his eyes warned me.

I looked away unable to match his intensity for fear of being buried alive under the weight of his stare. From my peripheral vision, I caught sight of a young woman who appeared to be in her teens. At once, the girl was beside him, contrasting drastically with the size of him. Her hair was cut to her shoulder which enabled an air of maturity around her. That as well as the way she carried about herself. She was quite beautiful the girl and her startling eyes met mine, mirroring Mr. Casimiro's shade for shade. The girl glanced apologetically towards me before she went to his aid. I immediately recognized my boss in her. I could be wrong but there was a pronounced resemblance between the two, leading me to believe that either she was his daughter or sister.

"Buon Dio!" Mr. Casimiro cried out in agony, bringing me back to the present.

"I'm so sorry, Sir." I crouched down, attempting to help him up.

"Don't touch me!" He yelled, startling me. I quickly stood off away from him, uncertain whether I should continue with my tasks or just pack up my things and leave altogether.

"Nick, be nice." She chided, her voice soothing and gentle rather than hostile and menacing. "I'm sure she meant no harm."

"Ahia ... Krys, please ... help me to my office." Mr. Casimiro softened as he spoke to her. I don't think there was a soul that could boast of such a development. Certainly, no one amongst his staff.

"Like it or not Nick, I'm only a portion of you!" The girl glanced in my direction with pleading eyes. "To help you, I must have help of my own."

Not having much of a choice in the matter, I went to her aid tentative to touch him. All the while I avoided his gaze as I pulled one of his arms around my shoulder in tandem with the girl. We manoeuvred through the kitchen, heading out into the hall before turning left on her cue.

I'd never been to Mr. Casimiro's office before. Furthermore, in this wing of the restaurant.

In fact, I don't think anyone has. Well, except for Krys. Mr. Casimiro was strict about who he allowed back here for reason unknown to me. On the day of my interview, Napoleo the floor manager had interviewed me on the floor where customers dined. Hadn't even met the boss then.

The sweet aroma of his cologne wafted my senses, drawing me out of my daze. He smelt good. His cologne was rather intoxicating, causing me to feel a little light-headed when mixed with his unique scent and aftershave. I don't know why it knocked me off balance, but it did. Maybe it was because he was ominous, and nothing good ever came of my few interactions with him. Maybe it was because he was akin to the boogeyman or the big bad wolf, so threatening to me and my father's well-being. Or simply, maybe I found it surprising because he was my boss and the aura he gave off was not welcoming, to say the least. Nonetheless, his aroma engulfed me, releasing the butterflies in my tummy for reasons unbeknownst to me.

Together, we climbed the flight of stairs positioned to the end of the hall. With each step, Mr. Casimiro winced muffled a cry of agony, tightening his grasp around my shoulder, pulling me in causing me to become that much more aware of our proximity and his toned form. Gosh, this couldn't be normal, could it? The sensation that filled me at the simple act. I immediately felt ashamed of myself.

The younger woman opened the door to the top of the stairs, revealing the intricate room of fascinating design Mr. Casimiro called his office. There was a comforting ambience attached to it, I noticed as we settled him into the sofa located to the rear of his wooden desk, nearer to the windows. I released his arm, allowing it to relax beside him.

"I'm Krysta, Nick's baby sister." She extended her hand to me.

"I'm Adaramola. It's easier if you call me Dari." I smiled for the first time since the incident.

"Dari, have you any experience with first aid?" Krysta asked me as she found the relevant kit which sat in an overhead cabinet behind her brother's desk.

"As a matter of fact, I do. Would you mind fetching me some lukewarm water and a towel?" She nodded, already fetching my requests.

I glanced at her brother, only to find him eyeing me with an annoyed expression. "Mr. Casimiro I will need you to take your shirt and jacket off."

Mr. Casimiro groaned but did as I asked while I fetched him pillows from the loveseat to create warmth for his body.

While I did so, I couldn't help but admire his office, revelling in its masculine essence. It was a work of art. Exceptionally designed and everything looked good just the way it was. A picture caught my eye, one where Krysta hugged her brother and he smiled as he kissed her forehead. It was a selfie. I looked around expecting to see more photos of his family but was greatly disappointed when I found it was the only one. If anything, I could be sure that Mr. Casimiro was a very private and organized man.

"Bloody hell, are you just going to stand there or are you going to help me?" His irritation rang volumes drawing my gaze.

He'd caught me looking at the photo. There were better things than to dare him, especially considering he was angry after all I had caused this and if it meant saving my job, I would swallow my pride and try not to further agitate him. He must have had it with me. Two collisions within the space of one week. I certainly wouldn't be the recipient of a gold star or an award of any kind, any time soon. Not with my track record, anyway.

I blinked twice, taking in the sight of his toned form. I was surprised, to say the least. I knew he was a muscular man. Anyone could tell, even in his tailored suits but that the knowledge alone didn't do him justice.

His form was one that many guys worked so hard to have or maintain and women longed to explore. A whisper of hair adorned his chest and lower torso, disappearing under briefs. At the moment, I couldn't say what came over me but that I envied his clothes. Gee Dari, he's your boss!

Krysta returned, freeing me from my trance-like state. In tow, were a towel and a pale of water. She set them at my feet. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Krysta smiled. Wow. She and her brother were polar opposites. The only time I ever saw him smile was in that picture frame.

"Sir, this may sting a little." I took the towel, immersing until it became saturated. After wringing the fabric, I placed it gently on the largest portion of his burning flesh. He winced at the contact, catching my wrist, prompting me to stare into his menacing gaze.

*End of Chapter Three*