The Fancy Pants Club

~ Daniella ~

Here I am my head against the door; hands pressed firmly on my heaving chest, on the verge of insanity just because I have seen Erik in his vulnerable, mouth-watering state.

Oh my God, what was I thinking! With his 'amazing' personality, I'm supposed to be immune to his charms right? Right?

No, you're not, my subconscious immediately rebutted.

Okay. Okay... I'll admit it. I'm not immune to the President's physical elements and that was already obvious when I first met him. I've always found him sexy, but I never expected him to be this sexy! Like he could easily charm his way into a convent, shirtless!

Shit!

Mortified by the realization that I had zoned out the moment I saw him like that, I had to retreat to my room quickly. I couldn't give Erik the pleasure of finding out I admired his lean, hard torso; the sinews, the obliques, the gorgeous valleys of his compact muscles, all of it in the form of him.

Him!

God, the man is ripped. He could well become a Calvin Klein model without even undergoing a go-see. From the looks of it, I think he does enjoy a lot of physical activities (gym related, I presume) while being the President of the club.

Taking deep breaths to douse the heat inside me, I crossed the receiving room, ambled straight to my bedroom, dropped my new cellphone in the bedside table next to my old one, and stretched my body in the mattress.

Tonight I'm not going to let the President's memory fill me in. I am not going to let his half-nakedness trouble me. I'm going to sleep like I baby and forget all about it come morning.

I hope.

The new iPhone Erik had bought me rang a couple of times. I was unfortunately taking my morning shower when I heard it. I am an early riser; a routine that I find helpful since I'm beginning my employment as a maid. Maids are expected to wake up before their masters right?

God, I can't believe I'm calling Erik my master now.

In the sixth call, after running with my hair wet and with only a towel to cover my body, I finally answered it.

"Yes?!" I shouted already knowing that in the other line was the President himself.

"You are supposed to answer me immediately, Daniella," was Erik's grim reply.

I twisted my lips. "Mr. President, had it even dawned on you that I'm in the shower?!"

There was a momentary pause and then I heard a rush of air through the earpiece before he remarked, "Shower huh."

Wait. Why do I feel that he is grinning against the phone?

"Come here. Now."

"What for?" I opened my closet and stared at my organized clothes; my brows furrowed.

"Maids aren't supposed to ask questions, Daniella. I'll give you twenty minutes to take care of yourself and then come here. We need to go to Karl's office an hour from now."

"Right," I released a sigh. "Twenty minutes is what I just need."

And the phone went dead. He actually didn't reply or give me a parting word.

What an ass.

I raced to clothe myself choosing a black blazer to cover my pink sleeveless blouse, a black skort and a three-inch gladiator sandal. I'm a fashionista by heart, so I love mixing and matching my wardrobe. Me being a maid doesn't mean that I have to dress in a French maid costume, and besides, Erik didn't mention about the dress code so I can say that I am safe with my appearance right now.

Taking a small sling bag with me that had two of my cellphones, I went to Erik's room. When I knocked, he didn't answer, but one of the phones vibrated thereafter. I pulled both out and found that the new model had a message.

'I don't need to help you enter Daniella. The door is unlocked. Feel free to come inside.'

Was what the message told me.

Tsk, lazy dog.

Like he said, the door was unlocked, so I stepped inside expecting to see his cocky face, but I found no trace of him in the receiving room.

Odd.

Then seconds later, I received a second message saying that he'll wait for me in his bedroom.

"Are you serious?!" I shouted to myself and then glared at the bedroom door. "What is this man up to now?"

I reached the said door stumping my feet the whole time. I meant to knock on it but then realized it was already slightly open. There was a muffled sound of Chopin's Nocturne in piano inside the room. I smiled, finding the music choice unexpected in a male like Erik.

Stepping into a man's room, I know, isn't a wise thing to do, but since I have no choice, I entered. What greeted me immediately was the President himself wearing black trousers and a white long-sleeved shirt (thank God) but unbuttoned.

"Good," he said looking at me in a strangely casual way, scanning me from head to foot. He lingered in my bare legs and noticed his mouth clench. "You took so long to arrive that I had to prepare my bath on my own. This is your transgression number one. Don't be late next time, Daniella."

What I said about maids waking up before their masters? This is exactly the reason why.

"But now that you're here, do this for me." He pointed a finger through the length of the buttons and I gaped in response.

"Are you telling me to fix them?" I asked, frowning. Standing some distance away from him is already making me nervous, how much more close to him and doing the task he asked? The fact that his damn abs are also teasing my view didn't help, but I guess continuous exposure on this part of him would probably desensitize me with it.

"Yes, I don't have to reiterate it, Daniella." His face was serious, but why do I feel that he was just toying with me?

Releasing a defeated sigh, I approached him, but avoided looking at his face. Without hesitation, I reached for the top button first and then worked my fingertips down the others. My heart quickened its pace the whole time for I felt Erik's eyes on me; studying my every move.

I felt heat surround me; heat that was percolating from him and mine, but I got the sudden chill when his hand palmed my torso, in the right upper abdomen specifically; the exact part where I had a surgical scar.

"Daniella," he strained to say.

My eyes flew to his and I realized right then and there it was a bad move.

His expression was soft, almost bordering on sad and his lips were parted as if to say something. With the way he was acting so rude on me since we've met, never have a realized that he could pull out a face like this. God, it was slaying me.

I took a sharp intake of breath, not understanding why I felt the urge to touch his cheeks.

"That's enough," he said, pulling his hand and taking a step back. "I'll finish this on my own. Take the coat in my bed and pass it to me."

Silently thanking that he ended what was happening between us, I crossed the room and took the said garment. Before I approached him back, I heaved a breath and closed my eyes to calm my nerves.

What was that just now? I have only started working for him and here I am feeling unusual.

"Here," I raised the coat to him; the heat in my body still there but at least I was able to control it.

He took it from me without thanking and donned it on his own.

"Aren't you going to use a tie?" I inquired. Not that I was enjoying being an early morning maid, but it was just my intuition telling me to ask it.

He glanced at me, smiled a cunning smile and said, "To tie you with? That can be arranged."

And the sly fox returned. Shit.

"I am asking you a proper question, Mr. President. I expect to be answered in the right way," I put my arms akimbo and gave him a disappointed face. I saw a twitch of a muscle in his jaw then.

"No," he answered, "I have no opening speech to make today in any parties so I prefer being this casual, Daniella." He turned around, reached for the remote of his sound system and after turning the piano music off, he glided out of the bedroom door.

I sprinted to follow him from behind, pissed that he didn't even say anything to give me a hint that we were leaving.

~ Erik ~

In the hallway of the fourth floor, I remained silent. In our first elevator ride together, I remained silent too. I didn't want to speak anymore after what happened to us in my room. A little bit more of her charm and I would have mentioned about what happened to us last year.

When we proceeded to Karl's office in the second floor of the chateau, I noticed Daniella already fidgeting, no doubt wanting to ask where we were going. I remained silent still and allowed myself the enjoyment of her company, even like this.

I heard her release a relieved sigh when we stood in front of our destination. She had probably read the carved word, Webmaster, in the golden plate screwed on the door.

As expected, I didn't have to open the door myself. It opened on its own with the automatic security system Karl had invented for his own office. I just had to press my thumb on the scanner right beside the door frame to access the place. Since contained inside are very important and confidential information about the club and its true nature, a high security system is needed.

I stepped inside first expecting to see the same features of the receiving room; three working flat-screen computers, other gadgets that was useful to him, and two wide television screens. What I didn't expect however was to see a painting of Daniella hung on top of the room's fireplace.

What the?

I know that Karl painted this himself during the life class but does he really need to put the artwork in an area fit to be regaled?

"Prez!" the man in question finally emerged from his bedroom door. He was fresh from a shower; platinum blonde hair damp with a small towel covering his head. He was wearing a white plain T-shirt and black jeans; his common attire when he isn't planning on leaving his room.

"It's been a long time since you decided to visit here," he crossed the room, smiling wide, "What is it that you want? I am still working on Iopata's new Cloud Blue shipment and I— oh... "

He paused, no doubt seeing the woman behind me. Somehow, I saw him blush. Tsk. If I'm right, this woman is building a harem without realizing it.

"I need you to transfer all data in Daniella's old cellphone to her new one, Karl. It's important. I want it finished ASAP." I looked to the side and saw Daniella step beside me. She pulled the two gadgets and handed it to me.

I took it and then glanced at Karl who was still stoned on the spot. I cleared my throat. "Karl."

"Ah, yes, yes. I will do it Prez," he replied, taking the cellphones frantically. "Uhm, good morning Ms. Daniella."

He paused in front of her and beamed a smile, showing off his dimples most of his fans call 'gorgeous.'

"Hi, Karl. Good morning too," she greeted and from my peripheral vision, I saw her award him a sweet smile.

Tsk.

If I'm correct she might be affected with his boyish charms too. Karl is just a year older than her; they could well be almost siblings, so I think it is understandable.

I hope so.

"I see that you framed the painting," she tilted her head and looked at the said artwork.

Karl sheepishly scratched his head. "Yeah, uhm, I find that it is worthy to be framed and placed in a location that would best fit the model's beauty."

Wow, Karl is like Enrique's younger brother with those damn smooth words.

Daniella giggled slightly, but before she could answer anything, I interrupted, "Let's go Daniella."

I turned around, grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the room. I heard her gasp then, surprised by my actions.

"Erik!" she yelled when we were in the hallway. I didn't bother on stopping and just continued on dragging her until we reached the second floor foyer. She kept on calling my name and tried to wring her wrist out of my hold the whole time. Most of the staff that had seen us had a look of amazement and it was no wonder since this is the second time I dragged her like this.

"Erik!" she shouted again when we reached the balcony and this time I released her and snapped, "What?!"

She was fighting for air but even so, she still had a string of powerful words to tie me.

"I know that your attitude is so overbearing, but must you be so rude on your member?" She gave me an angry face. "We were talking right there. Do you really have to drag me out so suddenly?"

I clenched my jaw and tightened my hold on the balustrade. "I damn will do whatever I like Daniella."

"Jealous man," a male voice finished for her. Daniella and I whirled around to the source and saw Rohan breezing his way towards us from the grand stairs.

I cringed not because of his presence but because of the jealous word. Am I acting like one so much so that this Kamasutra guru felt it below our floor?

Shit. I should get my composure ironed better.

"Rohan," I uttered, looking at him coldly when he reached us. He only smirked at me and moved his way to kiss Daniella on the cheek.

"A beautiful morning to you Ms. Daniella," greeted he.

"Rohan, it's been days since we've last met," she stated casually. They have just known each other in McKenzie's wedding reception last Friday yet they act as if they were old time friends.

"Yes, it is," he nodded. "What timing to meet you here. I was actually on my way to the President's office to ask about you and your status as our new Club member."

It was my cue to answer when Rohan's stare fell on me; sending me a silent message only we could understand. "Vincent and I have already talked about it, Rohan," I informed.

He cocked a brow. "Really now? But you didn't inform all the members about it? I kinda feel left out you know. I just heard the news from Suri who got it from Enrique."

Huh, like that would concern me. "I'll make an official announcement tomorrow lunch. You know we will be busy today."

Rohan released a defeated sigh. "Of course, but you could have just gave us a heads-up yesterday when we had our meeting. No wonder I felt a different vibe from Vincent that time."

Yes, ever since Vincent found out about Daniella's membership, he had been acting weird... like silent weird, and I know that he isn't the type of man who remains mute the whole course of a meeting. This fact intrigued me of course, and without intention, a memory crossed my thoughts about him and how he announced in my face that he wants to pursue her. We always have a friendly competition with each other, but unfortunately, I don't do friendly when it comes to Daniella's welfare. Probably, that's what's bugging him.

"Is this the only thing that you want to say Rohan?" I grumbled, feeling a certain degree of threat. I can't say that Daniella is charmed by Vincent, but she could be when he makes a serious move.

"Hmmm... let me see," Rohan tapped a finger in his chin and appeared as if he was contemplating. "Since Daniella is our official member now, to celebrate it, how about I invite her for a free session this evening?"

"Excuse me?" the one concerned immediately butted in with brows drawn up.

Then, Rohan clapped his hands like he was having a eureka moment. "Yes, that's it!" He turned to Daniella and held both of her hands. "I would like to invite you in my Kamasutra session tonight beautiful lady."

From the expression of her face, she was taken aback. "I don't think that's a good idea," I heard her say without hesitation.

"Huh, still shy are we?" Rohan leaned towards her. I almost wanted wring his neck because of it.

Daniella stepped back and managed to say albeit shyly, "I'm just not open to, you know, uhmm..."

"Don't worry," Rohan cut it and I knew immediately what he was about to say, "All participants are dressed. We start at six with a cocktail party and then a short seminar about the history and basics of Kamasutra. Mrs. Elaine McKenzie-Roslin will be there."

Daniella's face brightened. "Really? She will be there?"

It looks to me that they are good friends if she had that kind of reaction.

"Yes," I saw Rohan nod, "she and her husband are my regular customers."

Looking at the progress, I thought that she would say yes, but I didn't expect her to say again; her face turning red, "Ah, but still... I don't think I would fit in there."

Rohan patted her shoulder and winked at her. "Virgins are always welcome you know," he said whilst beaming a smile.

Daniella immediately waved her hands in the air. "Oh! You get it all wrong! What I mean to say is...I—I don't have the time to go there. My schedule is...full."

She looked at me, not with pleading eyes, but in a way that she was subconsciously asking me if her schedule is really packed since I alone knows about it.

"She'll be there Rohan," I blurted without a thought. I saw Daniella open her mouth, no doubt to argue with me, but I raised a hand before she could say anything.

Rohan, however, narrowed his eyes at me. "And you? Are you going to go too Prez?"

"Of course," was my blunt reply, not thinking of the implications of it. I can't just leave her alone in a building that's full of sexual vibes nor do I want for her to get another man to chaperone her there.

"Excellent!" Rohan smiled at us, rather mischievously I'll admit. "I like it. I really like it. Tonight is going to be interesting indeed."

Rohan is the Club's secretary, but in truth, he is what I call the 'Bombs Expert.' He is a skillful man with regards to explosives; very careful on making them and where to situate them. After our conversation with him, I have the feeling that he'll most likely do well with his position.

I wonder... what landmines are waiting for me and Daniella when we get in his building.