Deceiving My Bully Stepbrother

(Ava)

I crossed my arms in front of my chest, my eyes narrowing at the tall stone faced man standing before me as I felt like I was having the biggest standoff of my life.

"Umm..we will only be a few minutes sir." Steven spoke up, causing Theo's gaze to snap towards him fiercely.

"Very well..Johnnie and I will be back in a jiffy." Steven squeaked and dragged Johnnie of with him.

The moment they left, Theo directed that fiery gaze back to me before opening his mouth to speak.

"My office..now." He snapped, and I felt a wave of emotions crashing through me.

Memories of my dad began to resurface as I tried not to shrink back and cower. I was used to a strong authoritive figure always ordering me around..I just thought that part of my life was over with. Theo turned in his heel and began walking away, not even looking back as he knew I wouldn't dare not to follow.

Shit..why the hell did I even do that? What was I thinking?

Theo rounded the corner, his little secretary appearing out of nowhere as he quickly dismissed her in annoyance. Yeah..the redheaded woman wasn't too happy about that.

He walked into his large office, my eyes wandering the dark oak desk and leather chairs sitting infront of it as I couldn't help but scoff.

This place was definitely Theo's..dark, minimal decorations and not a thing out of place.

"Close the door." He barked, making me grind my teeth before doing what he asked.

"Sit." Theo ordered me again and this time I decided not to listen.

"I would prefer to stand." I said defiantly while crossing my arms in front of my chest.

Theo just stared at me for a few moments, his brown eyes growing darker by the second before he let out long frustrated sigh.

"I know you're probably used to getting your way back home..but here, in my territory, I would suggest you listen to me." He snapped, sounding exactly like the arrogant pig I painted him to be.

"Your territory?" I repeated in disbelief..was this asshole serious? This was that Alpha male type of s**t wasn't it.

"Yes..and just because my father practically begged me to let you play intern..it doesn't mean I will let you disrespect me infront of my staff."

Ouch..that one hurt.. Richard begged him to let me intern here?

"So can you please cut out the spoiled brat act and actually be respectful for once. I hope you realize I'm doing you a very big favor..I had to pass up lots of more qualified applications just to let you come here." Theo stated firmly, making me chew the inside of my cheek as I just stared numbly ahead, trying not to cry.

I don't know who he thinks I am..but I would like to believe he is completely wrong. Maybe because it's the way I dress now..or the fact that Richard buys me things that I don't even ask for..but all of this is new to me too..

And even though I pretend to be confident and self assured..I don't know what the hell I am doing most of the time. I know

I turned into a b***h that first year in college..but I would like to think I have grown from that..

It was a time of self discovery..but hearing Theo say all of this about me..I wondered for a moment if it was true.

"Do I make myself clear?" He boomed, and I nodded once before looking away from him.

"Crystal. May I go back to work now SIR?" I said, making sure he heard the last part as his body suddenly tensed. "Yes, you may and shut the door after you leave." He instructed. Without a second glance, I was out of there. Okay..what I did next..I know it's pretty freaking immature..but the rebel inside of me took over.

I shut the door...my eyes darting around for a moment, making sure the coast was clear as I quickly pulled my keys out of my pocket. I learned this in high school..the kids used to do it all the time to piss my dad off..and it really worked.

I saw the plaque on the outside of the door, the name Theo Hart carved into the gold plate as I hurriedly began unscrewing one side of the sign with my key.

My heart was pounding in my chest..my fingers trembling as I made quick work to loosen it and got the screw out. That's when the door handle moved, making my eyes widen as I had no time to run.

Instead, I hid my hands behind my back and was met with Theo's surprised gaze.

"What are you still doing here?" He asked in confusion..and I'm sure I must've looked just as guilty as I felt. "Steven wanted me to ask if you would like a coffee." I lied, feeling proud of myself for coming up with that one. "No, coffee is a waste of time and money. Especially the kind Steven gets." He snapped..

That's when I realized I might be working for the damn grinch..does he hate Christmas and puppies too?!

"Very well..have a good day sir." I rushed out before turning on my heel and bringing my hands back to the front.

"Wait." He boomed, making my body stiffen..I might just have a heart attack right here and now.

"I just got off the phone with my father. He would like us to go out for dinner tonight to celebrate." He explained, making all the air rush out of me in relief.

"Sounds good!" I hollared and began walking again as I swear I felt Theo's eyes burning into my back.

That's when I heard the door slamming once again, causing me to peek over my shoulder as I saw that gold plate swinging from side to side on the door. Making me smile widely.

I don't think I have ever been happier..

I walked back to our office area, and right when I sat down, Steven and Johnnie came striding in.

"Oh my god girl.. you're still alive..spill the tea!" Steven rushed out before placing a blended drink in front of me while Johnnie joined us.

"Are you okay? Did you get in trouble?" She asked, making me shake my head no.

"Typical Theo stuff..told me to be more respectful.." I admitted, making Steven roll his eyes.

"His minion Brittney is already going on about it..I guess she was listening at the door." Steven informed me as I couldn't help but slap my hands over my face and groan.

"Great..now everyone will think I'm some type of diva or something." I muttered, and to my surprise, Johnnie reached her hand out before patting my arm in a comforting motion.

"Hey, let them think what they want. We know the truth and of course rumors are going to go around..you will just have to prove them wrong okay?" She reassured me and I couldn't help but look at her with wide eyes.

Wow, she really is great..no wonder Caspian is obsessed with her. She must've seen my surprised because she gave me a soft smile before speaking again.

"You kind if remind me of my sister in law a little to be honest. She was misunderstood at first too." She confessed, and I nodded in understanding.

"I'm sure she wasn't as mean to you as I was though.." I said while looking down at my hands feeling ashamed.

"Actually..she kind of was." Johnnie confessed before bursting into laughter and scooting my drink closer for me.

"Come on, let's get back to work and show them you mean business." Johnnie encouraged me and I felt my mouth tilting into a soft smile as I nodded once and did exactly what she said.

I know it's only been one day..and Johnnie probably doesn't trust me fully yet..but just maybe she will soon and will even want to be friends. I guess only time will tell..but first I have to get through this dinner with Theo..