The Art of Control

I had no idea the job of a publicist would be so overwhelming. Everyone from magazine reporters and movie directors were calling to get a drop on Harry Styles. I hadn't noticed until now that this mans life was so difficult and filled with constant pestering. The phone rang once more and I took a deep breath before answering. "Styles Enterprises, Reagan Carter speaking" I said into the receiver. I could hear a deep chuckle on the other end and for a moment I was sure it was Mr. Styles toying with me.

"Yes, this is Edward Callahan. I'd like to send out an invitation to this years NCA charity event" he said. I took a sticky pad and wrote down the name of the company and the event "and you're his publicist, correct?" He asked.

"Yes sir. I will pass along your message and give you an answer by tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your day" I said hanging up the phone and standing up out of my seat. I stopped when I was halfway across my office and decided that I should maybe call Mr. Styles to tell him I'm on my way down. I walked carefully towards the phone and picked it up, dialing his extension.

"Styles Enterprises, Harry Styles speaking" his voice boomed over the phone. Oddly I found a comforting feel to his voice. It was deep and smooth, but strong. A dangerous combination to make any girl swoon.

"Yes this is Reagan Carter, your publicist" I said clearing my throat. He chuckled and hummed.

"I know who are Ms. Carter, are you having troubles already?" He asked. I ignored the tone in his voice and clenched my eyes shut. I needed to focus on the task at hand and not the seductive sound of my boss's voice.

"No, no, I need to drop off a few things if you don't mind" I said. I quickly added the 'sir' at the end just incase.

"Of course. Come on down I was just finished with budget cuts anyways. We can have lunch and you tell me everything you may have to tell me" he said. I choked a little bit in shock. He wants us to have lunch together. Oh my. "Ms. Carter?"

"Yes, I'll be down in a minute sir" I said saying my goodbyes and hanging up the phone. I nearly forgot the tons of sticky notes that consisted of award shows, events, magazine articles and other things that I needed to pass on to Mr. Styles. I clutched them in my hand and walked out of my office towards the elevator that Mr. Styles and I had rode in earlier. I pressed the button that would lead me to the 5th floor and waited patiently as the elevator went down.

I tapped my foot as it took forever to reach my destination. Finally making it to the 5th floor I stepped out of the elevator and walked towards Mr. Styles's office. "He's busy peach" the blonde witch stated just as I gripped the handle of his office door. "Might want to come back" she said popping her gum.

"I was invited down here actually. Now if you would excuse me I have business to attend to" I said opening the door of Mr. Styles's office. I walked inside and closed the door behind me quietly as I noticed Mr. Styles was on the phone and he didn't sound too happy.

"What the hell do you mean you don't have the reports?" He snapped. "Listen......no......I gave you specific instructions" he said, I took the time to observe him while he was talking. His long, lean body was stood in front of the large window that took up half of his office. His hands were shoved deep in the black slacks he wore and I could faintly see a expensive looking gold watch on his wrist. I took a shaky breath and let my eyes wander up to his face and I nearly collapsed at how beautiful he is. His green eyes reflected off the glass of the window as he scanned the city below him. His hair looked extra soft today and I wonder why I hadn't noticed earlier. Maybe because I was too busy panicking over this job interview.

I was brought back to reality when I heard him snap his fingers and gesture for me to have a seat. He was still on the phone and he still had the same pissed off look on his face "I'm giving you one last chance Martin. If you fuck this up, you will be unemployed are we clear?" he growled. I gulped and held onto the armrests of my chair. "Good. Give me updates" he said hanging up. He pushed himself away from the window and walked towards me slowly. His long legs took big steps and before I knew it he was standing right in front of me. "We can discuss everything over lunch, come" he said grabbing my hand and standing me to my feet. I watched as he walked over to the coat rack in his office and grabbed his suit jacket. "Have you brought a coat?" He asked. I shook my head and he frowned deeply "the weather outside is horrid Ms. Carter, Here" he said handing me his suit jacket.

"Sir, I believe I can manage" I said handing him the jacket back. He rose an eyebrow in amusement.

"Are you arguing with me Ms. Carter?" He asked. His lip curled upwards into a sly smirk as if he knew my answer already. My eyes widened.

"No! No, of course not" I said shaking my head.

"Good, take the jacket" he said putting it around my arms and grabbing my hand. We walked out of the doors of his office and towards the elevator. The blonde witch stopped breathing nearly as she spotted my hand in his "I assure you did what I told you Christa" Mr. Styles said with a nod. Christa, the blonde witch nodded her head with the same expression of disbelief on her face "your shift should end before we are back. Make sure Clary and Isabelle handle all of Ms. Carter's phone calls" he said as the elevator doors slid open. "Good" he said as we stepped inside. I didn't miss the second her eyes narrowed on mine and glared coldly.

"She doesn't like me, I'm assuming" I blushed. Mr. Styles chuckled and fixed his jacket around my shoulder.

"She's not fond of new people. She gave Isabelle hell her first week" he said.

"Why don't you fire her, that's really unprofessional sir" I said with a large breath. The silence after that made me nervous for even boldly speaking my mind. If the blonde witch is giving the workers hell then she shouldn't be here. "Isn't that in the handbook? The work area should always be friendly" I said nodding.

"That is true, but I owe my life to her father. She does not have much money or family so I will not fire her, but I will see to it that she makes you more comfortable. Anything else?" He asked turning to me. I shook my head and looked down at my heels.

The elevator doors opened and Mr. Styles and I walked out. I almost fainted as tons of lights flashed in my eyes. "Keep your head down and don't speak. I mean it" he seethed into my ear. I was confused as to why he was speaking to me this way, but of course I listened to him.

“Over here!"

"Mr. Styles is she your new girl?"

"Mr. Styles what happened to Morgan?"

"Have a good day" was all he said as he pushed the doors opened and walked us to the curb. There, a large black truck was waiting for us. He opened the door for me and I climbed inside, still shielding myself away from the cameras. This was too hectic. "Are you alright?" He asked shutting the door behind him and facing me. I mumbled a 'yes' and he left the conversation alone, that was my first encounter with the paparazzi and it was surely not going to be the last. "Marcus, Adams place" he demanded to the driver. With a tip of his hat, the driver started the car.

"Thank you for the invite out sir" I said after minutes of us driving in silence.

"You said you had things to discuss with me and I, you. What better way to discuss things than over a nice lunch at my brothers diner" he chuckled shrugging his shoulder. I smiled at the information, thanking god that at least one of the Styles's were normal.

"Your adopted brother, correct?" I asked with the same warm smile. Mr. Styles nodded. "Why isn't he in business as well?" I asked. Mr. Styles sighed.

"The diner was the works of his birth mother and father. He took on their legacy instead of that of our adoptive parents" he said staring straight ahead. "He reminds of me your friend......the boy from the gala" he said licking his lips.

"Declan?" I asked. He nodded and smiled slyly.

"Declan" he said tasting the name on his tongue "yes, is he your boyfriend?" He asked narrowing his eyes. I laughed at the ridiculous question and apparently Mr. Styles saw nothing amusing.

"No, of course not" I gulped shaking my head "we've known each other since diapers" I said waving him off.

"He adores you though, correct?" He asked. I squirmed under his gaze and nodded. "But you fail to return the feelings" he said. I nodded again and turned fully in my seat to face the window. "Nothing wrong with that. You have told him how feel, haven't you?" He asked. Oh how I wish he would leave this conversation alone. Even the thought of Declan and I being more than we are makes me boil with anger.

"Yes, I have" I said closing my eyes. It's my first day and I'm already thinking of letting my boss have it. What's going on between Declan and I is none of his business.

The truck finally stopped in front of the diner and I reached for the handle. "Stay seated Ms. Carter, Marcus will get that for you" Mr. Styles said. I nodded and took a deep breath. "I see you're not used to this" Mr. Styles noted. I nodded and blushed. He's been around this his entire life and this is my first time. That there proves how completely different we are. Marcus opened the door for me and I thanked him before walking over to Mr. Styles. He grabbed my hand and walked me towards the door of the diner. I looked around making sure there were no cameras. I don't think I can handle another round.

"This is lovely" I said observing the small, homey diner. It had a comfortable feel to it.

"Harry" someone called from beside us. A short, blonde man ran up to us and pulled Harry in for a hug "I was hoping to see you today" he said wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. His accent was much thicker than Mr. Styles'. "And who might this be?" He smiled turning his attention towards me.

"This is my publicist, Reagan Carter. Ms. Carter this is my brother Adam" Mr. Styles said letting my hand go. Adam pulled me in for a hug and I patted his back awkwardly. "Is the table ready?" He asked. Adam rolled his eyes and chuckled.

"Of course your table is always ready. Go ahead and have a seat" he said clapping his hands "it was nice to meet you, Reagan" Adam said with a small smile.

"As it is for me" I smiled. Adam walked away and Mr. Styles grabbed my hand and walked me to a table in the far back. "I like your brother" I said as I slid into the booth. Mr. Styles frowned and cocked his head. It took me a while to register what he was thinking and then my eyes widened in alarm "as a person of course" I said.

"What did you want to discuss?" He asked ignoring me and getting straight to business. I pulled the crumpled sticky notes out of my pocket and straightened them. Mr. Styles bit his lip to hold back a smile while I on the other hand was burning with embarrassment. "Cute" he mused.

"I got a few calls from movie directors asking if you were up for a film documentary on your life. Of course some of them sounded uncertain so I took it upon myself to decline. You also got an invitation to the NCA charity event. A Edward Callahan set it up" I said handing him the orange sticky note. He hummed and nodded.

"Yes, We will be attending that. Edwards wife is a good friend of mine." He said passing me the Orange sticky note. "It is your job as my publicist to engage in all public affairs." He said as he took in my widened eyes. "You will have to attend every award show, fashion show, photo shoot, and/or charity event" he clarified.

"Of course, sir" I said. "Was there anything you'd like to discuss?" I asked. He smiled and leaned back in his seat.

"You" he said simply. I nodded and pursed my lips "you are a very interesting girl Ms. Carter and I'd love to get to know you" he said tapping his fingers against the table.

"Well I'm not very interesting sir, not as interesting as you" I blushed. Mr. Styles chuckled and shook his head.

"Contrary" he said sitting up straight "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting someone like you before. I'd surely remember" he smirked. Was he flirting? God it felt that way. The room rose a good 10 degrees as he said those words. "Are you native to New York?" He asked.

"Yes, born and raised" I smiled. "When did you move out here?" I asked.

"I started the business out here about 5 years ago. I had a booming business in London, but I felt the need to expand" he said. Adam walked over to us with drinks and asked for our order. "I'm fine." Mr. Styles said to his brother. Adam looked at me, green eyes gleaming as he asked for my order.

"I'll have the american cheeseburger" I said closing the menu and handing it to him. He smiled and walked away leaving Harry and I to ourselves again. "So you're based in London as well?" I asked.

"Yes, it is where I am from. Most of my money is made there, well, until I get the New York base up completely" he said.

"I've always dreamed of visiting London, or France mainly." I gushed. "I've seen many pictures it's a beautiful city" I said looking at my fingers.

"It is indeed a beautiful city" he smiled.

"You've been there?" I asked. I shouldn't be surprised. He's probably been everywhere.

"Of course. Many times. Adam married there once and my parents have a home there" he said. Wow. Such a wealthy family.

"When I retire I hope to move to France or London just to live out the rest of my life" I said. Mr. Styles pursed his lips and nodded. "I know I'm thinking too far ahead, but it's just a want of mine. What about you?" I asked.

"When I retire I am going back to my hometown to 'live out the rest of my life' as you just said" he said. It fell silent between us and I had to think of something to bring up so Mr. Styles wouldn't think of me as boring.

"You said you were doing budget cuts, why?" I asked. He smiled and I mentally patted myself on the back.

Show your interest. Rule number 1.

"Ah yes. Well that was for my company in London. We recently hired 60 people and there is simply not enough pay. There was already 150 people working in my building alone" he said taking a sip of the water Adam brought out. "The New York office is fine so far with pay. Especially your department" he winked. I looked down to hide my blush and I nodded. "You know Ms. Carter I'm thinking about moving your office. You're too high up and I would like for you become acquainted with the rest of the workers. Not so much Ms. Cook, but the rest of the gang" he said. Adam dropped off my food and gave me a smile before walking away.

"Of course. I wouldn't mind" I said picking up a fry. Mr. Styles's eyes were locked on my face as I ate and I began to grow slightly uncomfortable "would you like some?" I asked. He smiled and leaned over the table taking the fry I had in between my fingers into his mouth. My inner goddess was doing back flips by now. "Another?" I asked picking up another one of the many steak fries on my plate. Again, he leaned over and took the fry between his and teeth and chewed.

Mr. Styles what are you doing to me?

Notes