Author's Note:
This story originally began with "
Halloween"
and has developed over time. I struggled with this chapter since I liked the characters and their development; they felt real in their emotions and their interaction with each other. The story became more than gratuitous sex and descriptions of orgasms, developing into love and deep feelings that show maturity. Boring, I know. I get it but give it a chance. We all grow up at some point. Enjoy! S&L
Adriana
Time passes quickly when a person reaches a certain point in their lives, personal and professional. Adriana and I have been working as a team in Abdel's global business empire for more than four years since I was 'given' to her by Abdel at one of his legendary Halloween parties. At that time, he officially announced her promotion to Corporate Head of Far East Operations, and my position as her 'Assistant', a loosely defined position that is unlike anything in a formal business structure, as well as my being promoted to Global VP and his personal in-house counsel. The time passed in a blur, a wonderful blur spent in a unique and exciting business environment with people that I truly loved, and no one more than Adriana. She and I formalized our personal relationship three years ago after a 2-week business trip when she presented me with a white gold choker containing a 21/2 carat diamond with a white gold ring and leash; it's complicated but so is love. Adriana and I bought a magnificent apartment together after making our relationship formal and living with her has been the best part of my life.
I have lived openly as Rachelle for the five years since I joined Abdel as it was one of his stipulations when he found that I secretly cross-dressed on weekends outside the office where I worked at the time. His requirement brought me out into the daylight and helped start a transition that was right for me but how he understood what I needed remains a mystery to me. Robert, the official me, has ceased to exist as far as anyone in my world is concerned.
Abdel and I have maintained an unusual relationship over these years, one where personal and professional lines blur and it is not uncommon for me to occasionally spend the night with him after we finish business for the day, or for me to help relieve some of his tension during the day as well. Adriana understands this and accepts it without question because she knows how his business works and knows that I love her unconditionally. It is a strange world we inhabit although it is never dull.
Arriving at the office one nondescript day, I found a memo from Abdel in an envelope on my desk which was marked "Personal & Confidential". Very ominous to put it mildly and since it only requested my presence at a lunch meeting with Abdel, there were no tea leaves to read. Adriana was out of the office and not expected back until tomorrow, so I had no confidant to look to for opinions or information. Usually when Abdel wanted to see me he would walk over to my office since we were next to each other in the executive suite, or he would call me on the phone or simply yell my name if he felt the phone would take too long. A formal memo for a lunch meeting signaled something akin to 'DefCon 3'.
When Adriana got my call she said that she just received a text from George, Abdel's 'valet', saying that Abdel wanted to see her for a drink tomorrow night when she is back in the office. It surprised her and when I told her about the memo I received she shared my apprehension but we were both in the dark but it was becoming clear that whatever was happening involved both of us.
Arriving in Abdel's conference room where the table was set for lunch for two, I saw George and as usual he greeted me warmly with a kiss on both cheeks and a pleasant smile. I hugged him and softly said with a smile, "What the fuck, George? A memo for lunch? Am I getting fired?"
"People in your position don't get fired, Ms. Rachelle, they simply disappear," he replied with a quiet laugh.
"Talking to you always makes me feel better," I said laughing out loud.
"Everyone seems to be having a pleasant time," said Abdel with a smile as he entered the room.
"George has a wonderful sense of humor," I responded with a smile and walked over to kiss him on the cheek.
We sat at the table and George brought two glasses of wine, placing them in front of us. I looked directly at Abdel, saying in a somber tone, "I assume lunch will be survivable since there is no bourbon."
"You have become more dramatic over the years, Rachelle," replied Abdel with a big smile that lightened the mood tremendously.
We sipped the wine and enjoyed a pleasant conversation as we had appetizers. It was reminiscent of our early days together when we laughed, had sex and simply enjoyed our time working together. He never acted like a true boss but his position was never in doubt although I knew I had a special place in his heart.
When we started lunch Abdel addressed the elephant in the room. "Rachelle, we have a problem. It is a difficult one and concerns three people. I am meeting with you first because, simply put, I know how you think and want your input before I walk into the lion's den, naked and unarmed."
I laughed and replied, "You're frightened of a 'girl', aren't you? My God, Abdel, you fear no one, you're the toughest man I know, and yet you have apprehension about speaking to a little 'girl' who works for you." I laughed until tears started coming down my cheeks. George walked in to see what he might have missed and looked at me. "He's frightened of a 'girl' George! Do you believe it?" I said to him barely controlling myself.
Abdel was also laughing at this point showing his sense of humor and the warmth that he felt for me. "Rachelle, if I didn't love you I would really hate you right now. Please focus for a few minutes, Counselor."
"I'm sorry, sir," I said seriously. "I didn't know what to expect today and I was honestly nervous and my laughter is more a sign of relief than anything else. You know how I feel about you and this outburst was not meant to demean our relationship." I got up and walked behind him to kiss his neck. "I'm sorry, please forgive me."
"Of course," he said with a smile.
When I sat down again we got down to serious business. Abdel explained that he has made inroads into a market that would involve shipping through the Bosphorus to Armenia and Georgia, and once the Ukrainians get rid of the Russians, a whole new set of opportunities will emerge overnight. This is a big deal and requires a seasoned hand to manage it, a tough, disciplined, and somewhat ruthless person to watch our interests. He looked at me and said with a smile, "Any ideas?"
I thought for a minute and responded, "One...but it's akin to releasing the Kracken and standing aside. But give me 24 hours to get out of town before you say anything."
"So you do understand our problem," he laughed.
"You're right to be frightened, sir, if I read the situation correctly," I said.
"What is your assessment?" he asked.
"It is too big and complicated an assignment to be handled long distance, at least initially. Someone must be the 'boots on the ground' to lead the operation in a very inhospitable and violent part of the world, supported by a cadre of good, honest people that doesn't exist right now. You don't have a seasoned team to put in place so whoever gets the short straw to manage this assignment must go into the area to assemble a team in a hurry. Complicating it, you cannot afford to lose upper management here so the team that I assume you would normally throw at this would also cripple your corporate operation worldwide. Your choice seems to be to split your best team and suffer the consequences of that disruption or sending a "B" team and risk chaos and failure. But it is not entirely a business decision, is it?"
Abdel looked at me and had a troubled look on his face. "George, bring me a bourbon," he said into the air quietly, and then continued, "No, it is not strictly a business decision, Rachelle. I think you know how I feel about you, and I believe that you can surmise how I feel about Adriana. She is my star and the two of you are unmatched. It is the most difficult decision that I have had to wrestle with in many years and I seriously considered abandoning this expansion entirely rather than doing what must be done to make it work.
