She hung up with Jessica then headed out of her office towards the reception area. There was no doubt that the tall, blonde, snarling man standing in front of the reception desk was Henry's brother. Claire hadn't even known he had a brother. And that thought hurt for some reason.
" Mr. Beck, I'm Claire Russell, Mr. Beck's personal assistant", Claire said in her professional voice and held out her hand.
Sebastian took it and gave it a firm shake while he eyeballed her.
" So you're Claire, huh?", Sebastian said, smirking mischievously, " Henry's told me about you"
Claire couldn't hide her shock. Sebastian chuckled.
" Listen, sweetheart, is he in? I gotta talk to him for a minute", Sebastian said, smile fading fast.
" Does he know you're coming?", Claire asked as she turned and led the way into the office.
" No, I don't make fucking appointments to see my own damn brother, pompous prick", Sebastian grumbled behind her.
Claire again had to stifle a laugh. The gorgeous man had an attitude, she kinda liked it. She bet if Henry weren't so professional, he'd be exactly the same way. Claire stopped in front of Henry's closed door. She prayed that he wasn't on the phone. Claire knocked then popped her head in.
Henry was sitting at his desk, chewing on the end of a pen while he read over a contract. He was in a black suit today with a dark green shirt that made his eyes pop. He looked so handsome.
" Yes Claire?", He asked without looking up. His voice bored and a bit tired.
" Henry...", She started but then got jostled out of the way when Sebastian barged in.
" 'Scuse me baby doll", he muttered as he pushed by her.
Henry's head shot up as he dropped his pen onto the desk, " Sebastian! What the hell are you doing here?", Henry asked, obviously shocked to see his brother.
" Good to see you too big brother", Sebastian drawled as he walked into the room.
Claire stood flattened against the door.
" You can't just...I thought you were in California?", Henry asked, confused and flustered.
" I was, and man you weren't kidding when you said doll-face over there has got an amazing ass", Sebastian said, turning to wink at Claire.
Claire's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She looked at Henry who looked about ready to explode. His face was turning red, his jaw was clenched and his nostrils were flaring with the force of his breathes. He thought she had an amazing ass? Henry turned his blazing emerald green eyes to her.
" Close the door Claire", He bit out.
Holy shit! She's never seen him so livid. Yeah, he's gotten mad a couple times, but nothing like this. Claire could do nothing but obey. She pulled the door shut, closing the two men in. As soon as the door was closed, Henry roared.
" WHAT THE FUCK?!"
Claire gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth. Everyone sitting in their cubicles near Henry's office all looked up with wide eyes. Asher popped his head out of his office and gave her a questioning look. Claire walked over to him so she didn't have to yell across the floor.
" Henry's brother Sebastian is here", Claire said, glancing back at Henry's door.
Asher sighed and shook his head, " Dammit, Henry's gonna be in a shit mood the rest of the day"
" Do they not get along?", Claire asked.
" Oh no, they do, Sebastian is crazy though, likes to fuck with Henry whenever he can", Asher said with a smirk.
Claire sighed, " Great"
" Please, like you have anything to worry about? Henry treats you like gold", Asher scoffed.
Claire rolled her eyes, " No he doesn't"
Asher gave her a dubious look then ducked back into his office. Claire headed back to hers and got back to work. She couldn't help but think about what Asher said, that Henry treated her like gold. Had he really treated all his other assistants so differently? And if so, why? Why did he treat her so differently? Could he actually feel something for her? Claire didn't know and couldn't think about it without thinking about her own feelings. She could so not go there.
Henry could not believe his asshole brother had said that to Claire. And what the hell was he thinking even telling Sebastian that in the first place? He shouldn't have been surprised. Sebastian loved to fuck with him. The man didn't know how to keep things to himself. Fucker.
Henry stared at his little brother, who was lounging in the chair across from his desk. The black t-shirt he wore showed off his tattooed arms. Sleeves, they were called. His face was covered in a couple days worth of scruff. He looked as if he didn't have a care in the world, but Henry could see the strain in his brother's green eyes. Something was wrong. Something serious. Henry took a couple deep breaths to calm himself. No doubt everyone heard his outburst.