Chapter 7: Harley's Curiosity

Words : 1732 Updated : Sep 24th, 2025

Ramon shot Drew a startled look and asked, "Ms. Ashby wants to see me?" "Yeah. Come on, hurry. Ms. Joanne is still waiting," Drew said, tugging Ramon. Ramon looked confused. It was only his second day on the job. Why did Harley want to see him? Drew told the secretary, "Ms. Joanne, this is Ramon Baxter. I've brought him." "Ramon, come with me. Ms. Ashby wants to see you." Joanne didn't wait for Ramon's response. She hurried off. Zhulsea Building, eighth floor. Yesterday, the security told Ramon this floor was off limits to casual visitors, but now he was riding the elevator up to the eighth floor. He'd been to every floor in the company except this one. In the private elevator, Joanne turned to him and said, "Wait here a moment. I'll let Ms. Ashby know you're outside." "Okay," Ramon replied. Even now, Joanne found it strange. Ramon seemed ordinary, nothing special at first glance. Why had Harley noticed him? Puzzled, she knocked on Harley's office door. "Come in," Harley's voice called out. Joanne pushed the door open. "Ms. Ashby, I've brought Ramon Baxter," she said respectfully. "Send him in," Harley instructed. Joanne went back out to fetch Ramon, gave him a quick once-over, then closed the door behind him. "Ms. Ashby," Ramon said. "Sit." Harley pointed to the chair in front of her desk. He obeyed, finally taking a proper look at her. She had delicate, well-defined features, her skin luminous with a faint ivory glow. Her neck was slender and elegant, and her shoulders were smooth. Her clear eyes were downcast, her long dark lashes fluttering with a hint of shyness, the faintest warmth rising in her cheeks. Harley spoke first. "I see from your resume that you started yesterday. Why did you choose security?" "I don't have work experience, and I wasn't sure what to do. Security seemed like a good fit," Ramon replied. "Are you trained in medicine?" Harley cut in, ignoring his answer. Ramon blinked. He hadn't written anything about medicine on his resume. As if reading his mind, Harley said, "I was there this morning." With that, Ramon understood. "A bit," he admitted. "Then why not go into medicine?" Harley pressed. "No particular reason." Ramon didn't want to tell the details. Medicine was just one of the things he'd learned. He'd left his quiet life to experience the mortal world to train. He had no interest in profiting from his skills. If he'd wanted to cash in, he could have cured some billionaire's terminal illness and walked away with a fortune. He preferred to take things as they came, keep his wants to a minimum, and wait for the right opportunity. Harley was shocked. She hadn't expected that answer. While she was still caught off guard, Ramon stood up and said, "Ms. Ashby, if there's nothing else, I'll get back to work." "Wait. I want to ask a favor." Seeing him about to leave, Harley cut to the chase. "What do you need me to do?" Ramon asked. "My grandfather has a heart condition. I'd like you to take a look at him," Harley said. If she hadn't seen Ramon save a man who was having a heart attack that morning, she never would have asked. On top of that, Ramon's attitude was less deferential toward her. Ramon said nothing, and Harley took his silence as a refusal. "Don't worry about the fee," she added quickly. "It's not about the fee. Since you're asking, and I work for you, I don't mind," Ramon said. "Good. Thank you. Let's go this afternoon." She felt a wave of relief the moment he agreed. She'd been worried he would refuse. There was something unusual about him, an aura that set him apart. He was clearly not an average security guard. "Then may I go?" Ramon asked. "You may. Three o'clock. Meet me by the elevator in the parking lot," Harley said. Watching Ramon turn to leave, Harley found herself curious. "He's in such a rush to get away? Do I look that scary?" No sooner had Ramon returned to the security department than Drew ambled over with a grin. "Ramon, what did Ms. Ashby want?" Since Harley had summoned Ramon, Drew called his first name with easy warmth. People gravitated to power. Everyone admired strength and success, just like rooting for the winning side. "Nothing much. Ms. Ashby asked me to go out with her this afternoon to take care of something," Ramon said, keeping it vague. Drew's eyes flashed with envy. "You just got here and she's already taking you out with her? Who'd believe you didn't know her before?" He couldn't help but imagine some prior connection. His grin widened. "Ramon, when you make it big, don't forget about me." "Uh... you're joking, Captain," Ramon replied with a smile. He ate lunch in the company cafeteria, took a casual stroll, then stayed at the security desk without wandering off. Close to three, he checked in with Drew and left. When he reached the parking lot, Harley was already waiting. "Ms. Ashby." Ramon glanced at the time. It was only a few minutes to three. He wasn't late. "Get in." Harley strode ahead, her heels clicking as she walked. "Do you drive?" she asked, standing by her car. "No. I haven't gotten my license yet," Ramon said, shaking his head. Harley blinked, surprised. Either Ramon really didn't have one, or he didn't want to drive for her. These days, what young man doesn't have a driver's license? She leaned toward the second possibility. He didn't want to be her chauffeur. The moment Ramon got into the car, a light, clean fragrance drifted up, fresh and natural. He breathed in a little deeper without thinking. "Do I need to bring anything?" Harley, settled behind the wheel, turned to look at him in the back seat. "If you have acupuncture needles at home, that'll do," Ramon answered. "I do." Harley nodded and stepped on the gas.

Chapter 7: Harley's Curiosity

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