Aemond Targaryen - The assistant
MASTERLIST
Word count: 5kish
Modern story: In which Aemond begins to realize who you truly are to him
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Staring at you through the huge glass walls, walls he usually keeps dark so that he can work in peace, Aemond can't help but let out a quiet sigh as he studies you. Your elegant brows are furrowed as you read whatever text is on the thin screen in front of you and he watches with a slight smile as he takes in the way you quickly write down a few notes here and there, your eyes never leaving the screen as you so do. You are biting your lower lip, a habit he has noticed you tend to do whenever you are really focused on something.
His lunch, which you know by heart, has just been delivered to his office, and though the smell of the chicken breast reminds him how hungry he is, he can't help but study you, completely letting his meal become colder and colder as he sits there.
Such a clever assistant, you are, Aemond thinks to himself. Always have his messages ready for him in the mornings, always here at least half an hour before your shift starts, always writes down the most important notes from meetings, calls or emails, and still, you always remember the stuff you dont write down as well. You are a quick learner, always paying attention to every detail of his work and in those two years you have been by his side, supporting his every work decision even if it meant questioning his thinking or simply accompanying him for a stupid, lame event, not once have you called in sick or doubted his role as a CEO.
And you are by far the most beautiful assistant Aemond has ever had which is a fact he is well aware that his beloved wife hates. She has barely met you seeing as she rarely bothers to visit him or even take an interest in his job, yet, after only five times of visiting him at his workplace since you started your job here, she has learned to loathe you. Even goes as far as to try to make Aemond fire you, but whenever she subtly tries to suggest removing you from the company, she is only faced with a cold look and a back quickly turned to her.
There is no way Aemond will ever fire you. He needs you. After all, you are the best assistant he has ever had.
At the sound of his phone vibrating against the shiny surface, Aemond allows himself to slowly tear his eye off of you. Instead, he stares down at his phone with a cold look, not even bothering to fully read the text his wife just sent. There is no point reading every word of her long, ridiculous essay of a message. He already knows what she wants, but this time, he has decided to put his foot down. Enough with this childish, spoiled behavior of hers.
She has been bothering him for nearly an hour, completely ignoring his earlier text where he told her they could discuss this once he returns home, but no, of course his precious wife can't leave him be. She never does when she is angry. And right now, her anger towards him is uncalled for and definitely not something he is looking forward to dealing with once he is back home. Mad that he refuses to pay for tickets and hotel for her five other friends for their yearly girls' trip to Ibiza. He has paid for those trips before.
As a matter of fact, he has paid for her and her pathetic, lazy friends for nearly four years in a row, but not anymore. If her friends want to tag along, staying at the most expensive hotels Ibiza can offer and sip champagne by the pool while they get their nails done as well as allowing their skin to wrinkle beneath the strong gaze from the sun, they can pay themselves.
He is done paying for them.
As another vibration runs through his phone, and then another, Aemond lets out an irritated sigh as he reaches out, grabbing the phone in his hand before, with his thumb, mutes the phone. His wife can wait. Her anger and frustration with him are not important. Not anymore.
Before he can think twice about his next move, he finds himself pushing the small button that allows him to communicate with you. He leans slightly forward, elbows against the cold surface as he speaks calmly, "Y/N?".
He watches you through the glass again as you quickly put down the pen and turn your head in his direction, giving him a polite smile before you answer his call through the speaker, "Yes, Aemond?".
Aemond can't help but smile slightly as your gentle voice reaches his ears. It took him nearly one and a half years to get you to call him by his first name. He doesn't like being called sir or Mr.Targaryen if it comes from your mouth. Perhaps it is not professional of him to have asked you to call him by his first name, but he can't help it. For some reason, he likes the way his name rolls off your tongue. Like melted honey.
"Are you busy?". He asks quietly and he watches as you shake your head, still smiling, "Not really. Im just writing down a few notes about the upcoming event you have in two weeks".
"Ah, the UNICEF charity? The one I am dragging you with me as my plus one?". Aemond asks, smirking, leaning back in his chair while his eye remains on you, taking in your frame from the side since you just turned your head, glancing back towards the screen in front of you again.
"Yes," You confirm, "Apparently it starts one hour earlier than what they previously stated, but hopefully that won't be an issue. From what I can tell, you dont have any big plans for that day except a meeting in the morning and then lunch with your mother. She says your brother might tag along".
"Doubt it will be a problem," Aemond nods before he adds, his voice calm and smooth, his heart beating faster for a moment, "Mind joining me in here for a bit? I need some advice about something".
It is a white lie, but you dont need to know that. He isn't completely sure why he just asked you to join him. All he knows is that he for some strange reason craves your presence. You calm his nerves and the devil in him and you make him feel at peace. A task that should probably belong to his wife, but it doesn't.
And he dont mind at all.
"Of course." You reply with a smile and Aemond watches you as you stand up from the chair, flattening the black skirt with the palm of your hands for a second before you grab your notepad and pencil. He can't help but smile weakly again. Such a clever assistant you are, always ready to please him.
As you enter the large office, Aemond subtly pushes the small button beneath his desk and the glass walls slowly turn from clear to opaque. He doesn't need the rest of his staff to gossip about the two of you. He respects you and he knows he wouldnt take it well if any member of his staff began to talk ill about you.
"So, what can I help you with today?". You ask kindly as you sit down in the chair opposite of him, the pencil in your hand, ready to take notes.
"What do you buy to a woman who is set on being upset with you no matter what?". Aemond asks slowly.
You raise your head slightly, giving him a thoughtful look though for a second there, if only for a second, Aemond is pretty sure he saw your lips twitch slightly in amusement.
"Oh Aemond, what did you do this time? Forget her birthday again? Although I am pretty sure her birthday is the same week as the charity." You say, giving him a stern look.
Fuck, Aemond thinks as he holds back a groan. Her birthday. His wife's goddamn birthday.
"Thank God for you, Y/N". He breathes, chuckling quietly. He doesn't even bother to explain his relief because he knows you can read him like an open book.
"You are welcome," You giggle before your face goes serious, "So, what did you do this time?".
"More like what I did not do," Aemond scoffs, "I refused to pay for her girlfriend's tickets and hotel stay".
"Oh, that yearly trip to Ibiza?." You ask and Aemond nods, closing his eye for a second as he recalls his wife's snarky remarks and angry insults towards him last night when he had kindly told her he would not pay for everyone this time. If her friend's husbands can't earn enough money to take care of their own wives, then perhaps her friends should start to work for their money. He is not going to spoil them anymore. He barely has enough patience to spoil his own wife anymore, so why the fuck should he spoil her friends? Women he can not even stand.
"Do you want my honest opinion?". You ask softly and Aemond nods again as he opens his eye, "Please, yes. You are pretty much the only person who is not afraid in being honest with me".
"I never understood why you paid for all her friends to begin with. You are filthy rich, but still, the money is yours. Not theirs or hers," You say, shrugging slightly while you place your notepad and pen on the desk since you realize you probably dont need them for this conversation, "I think if her friends can't afford to travel with your wife, then perhaps they should not go. I almost want to question them why they do not work, but I know it is none of my business".
"Just like my money is none of their business," Aemond agrees simply before he adds with a small smirk, "As usual, we think alike. Why their husbands have not forced them to work yet is beyond me, but it is not something I am planning on dwelling on. They are not my wives nor my problems".
"Is your wife very upset?". You ask quietly.
"Upset enough to ruin a vase," Aemond shrugs before he adds, "An expensive vase, that was. Not to mention destroy a few pairs of high heels as well. So again, what do I buy for a woman who is acting like a child?".
"Again, do you want my honest opinion?." You ask and Aemond passes you a small smirk, "Always, Y/N".
"If I were you, which I am fully aware I am not, I wouldnt get her anything. She is too old to act this way and honestly, she should be grateful that she has a husband who is willing to pay for her lifestyle. But if you want to buy her a gift anyway, then perhaps a beautiful bouquet of roses and some sweets will do?". You suggest calmly.
Your mind wanders to the flower shop that is not too far away from your apartment, and you can't help but smile when you think of the beautiful flowers they sell there. Especially the roses. You always buy roses for yourself every Friday. You dont notice the way Aemond studies you since you are so busy in your own thoughts for a moment. He can't help but admire your easy advice. A standard suggestion, yet he likes the simplicity of it and for one moment there, Aemond pictures himself handing you a big bouquet of red roses, along with some delicious sweets. However, he quickly brushes that scenario aside.
"Something tells me your wife probably expects more though. I guess I am used to the simple things, but personally, I dont think you can go wrong with flowers and candy." Your gentle voice brings Aemond out of his thoughts and he quickly turns his attention back to you with a small smile, "Life sounds much easier if you had been my wife, Y/N".
"Oh, I can assure you it would have been," You agree with an amused grin of your own, "But I dont think your wife would have liked that. I have a feeling she is not my biggest fan".
"Oh, she most certainly is not." Aemond chuckles quietly, shaking his head as he recalls his wife's latest attempt in having you removed from the building and his company. She had been furious, accusing him of spending extra time at work simply because of you. He had, naturally, denied her claims, but as he realizes that he often finds himself craving your presence or the simple fact that he enjoys watching you work, he knows there is probably some truth in his wife's accusations.
"I never understood why," You wonder quietly, fiddling with the pen now, "I have barely greeted her. I mean, I have always given her a bright smile those few times she has been here, but she usually ignores me".
"I am aware." Aemond says slowly and he can't help but notice the frown that is now covering your face.
"Aemond?". You ask quietly.
"Yes, Y/N?". He answers calmly.
"Have I done something to upset your wife? Because I have, please tell me and I will gladly apologize to her the next time she drops by." You tell him, giving him a weak smile.
"No, you have not." Aemond responds quickly, more than eager to calm your worries. He does not like to watch you frown or stress about something that is not your fault. He will be damned if he allows his wife to be the source of your worries. You deserve better.
"Oh." Is all you reply and Aemond sighs as he leans forward, resting his elbows on the table and his chin on top of his hands. He gives you a neutral look because he knows what is he about to say should probably not be said, especially not to you, but he dont care anymore. The privacy in his marriage is not something he can bother to respect any longer. Why should he when his own wife has never respected him or shown him any kind of gratitude?
"My wife," He begins slowly, clearing his throat for a second before he goes on quietly, "She does not want you to work for me. As mentioned earlier, I am aware that she does not acknowledge your presence, and trust me, I do not support her attitude toward you. I suspect she feels threatened by you".
You glance at Aemond with a confused look, but he simply stares at you and for once, you find it hard to read his thoughts and emotions. He is only gazing at you with a thoughtful look, yet there is a slight flicker in his eye, but it is gone before you can dwell too much over it.
"I find that hard to believe." You admit after a minute or two as you furrow your brows in confusion.
"Why is that?". Aemond asks quietly, watching you intensely now.
"Your wife is beautiful, Aemond. She should not feel threatened by someone like me". You explain, shrugging.
"Yet she does," Aemond responds slowly, his eye on you with an unreadable look again, "And you should not think so low of yourself, Y/N. Do you not own a mirror?".
"Oh, I own at least two," You chuckle, "But I have eyes. I am not blind. Your wife is beautiful."
"Well, perhaps you should marry her then," Aemond suggests with a bored tone, "Again, the next time you stand in front of a mirror, do me a favor and look at yourself, Y/N".
Though you have a feeling what the blonde is implying though he does not say it out loud, you choose to ignore it mainly because you wish to respect his marriage and the wife that loathes you. Yes, one is allowed to think other people are handsome and beautiful when being in a relationship or a marriage, but as you feel Aemond's gaze on you, you can't help but let a shiver run down your spine. That good kind of shiver, the one you get when you are with someone who makes you feel flustered. And right now, that is exactly how you feel and you dont even know why.
However, not wanting to explore a path that probably does not exist, you change the subject.
Clearing your throat, you ask calmly, "Is your wife at home as we speak?".
"I would think so," Aemond shrugs, "Seeing as she does not work nor is she doing anything productive with her life".
"Maybe you should call her and try to settle things between the two of you before you come home? And be calm if you do." You suggest, but Aemond merely grimaces at the thought, "I rather not talk to her at the moment. She is an impossible woman to understand, and to be honest, I am not interested in understanding her either".
"Then you can hardly complain that you do not understand her." You point out and Aemond only passes you a small smirk, "Touché".
A moment of silence lingers between the two of you as you give Aemond a thoughtful look and he can't help but gaze back at you. Raising a brow, he challenges you with a slight smirk because he already knows what is on your mind. Perhaps he can read you like an open book as well.
"Spit it out, Y/N," He says calmly, "I know you want to ask, so go ahead. Ask away".
"Does it bother you that your wife refuses to earn her own money?". You ask quietly, almost worried you will upset him, but you have a feeling he won't mind your curiosity. Your relationship with your boss is...special. You might be his assistant and you might, in most eyes, be beneath him job-wise, but Aemond has never treated you as if you are. If anything, he treats you like an equal and you know he enjoys your company even though he might not admit it out loud.
"At the beginning, no," He answers slowly after a moment, once he has allowed your words to sink in, "As you stated earlier, I am rich. I never thought much of her lifestyle because it was a lifestyle I myself am quite used to, but she is not the woman I married nor the woman I thought I was in love with. She has changed and it is not for the better. She has become spoiled and unreasonable. Arguing with her is like fighting with a toddler. Her words sound like gibberish whenever she has her tantrums".
Letting out a deep sigh, Aemond stares down at the small screen that belongs to his phone and he can't help but shake his head in disbelief once he notices the ten unread text messages his wife has bombarded him with. Then there are twelve unanswered calls as well, and each text and each call is just reminding him of how truly selfish his wife is.
Why did he even marry her in the first place?
Oh right, his mother thought it would look good for the company. After all, his wife is from a wealthy family as well, but now that Aemond thinks back on their relationship and marriage, he is not sure he married out of love. Maybe it was all business, even from his wife's perspective. Has she even loved him at all?
"That sounds draining." You point out and you give him a defeated look.
"It used to be." Aemond confirms unbothered and you tilt your head, confusion written on your face as you repeat, "Used to?".
Instead of answering you, Aemond only stares at you with a thoughtful, yet intense look again, but before you can say anything, he asks smoothly, "Tell me, Y/N, do you have any plans after work today?".
Confused, you shake your head slightly, "No. Why?".
"I need a drink or two. Maybe three," Aemond gives you a handsome smile, his white teeth shining like pearls, "And I think I might demand you to join me".
"Oh I would love to, really I would," You answer with a small grin, "But my boss expects me to be here at six tomorrow morning, so I think I will have to pass".
"What if your boss told you to come to work whenever you wake up tomorrow and that there won't be any consequences if you show up late?." Aemond counters with a smug look and you gape at him for a second before you ask, "Really?".
"Yes, really." Aemond nods, smirking, "What do you say, my dear Y/N? A few drinks with me after work today, and then I will have my chauffeur drive you safely back home by the end of the night?".
"Deal." You smile and Aemond sends you a pleased smile, "Perfect. Now, let's finish some work before we are off".
Hours later, Aemond's hand is resting firmly against your lower back as he guides you toward the bar. Your eyes quickly scan the surroundings and you gulp nervously. The interior and design are fancy and elegant, silently telling you that you cant probably afford one drink in here. The jazz music is soothing and relaxing as so is the atmosphere.
The few men and women who are here at this hour are dressed in expensive suits and outfits, and you feel slightly small as your eyes land on the shiny diamond ring on one of the women's fingers. Fingers that are clutching a bright orange Hermes Birkin purse. You can't help but feel poor as you scan your simple secretary outfit.
The other clientele nod subtly to the two of you as you make your way through the room and you notice Aemond greeting their nods with a nod of his own.
"Do you come here often?". You ask quietly as you reach the bar.
"Lately, yes," Aemond admits, his voice low, "This is where I linger before I go home".
He gives you a knowing look, but you dont press him further. You both know why he is avoiding returning home early.
"You could have told me the dress code in here," You say, your cheeks a bit red as you scan the women again and their expensive accessories, "I am pretty sure it is clear I do not belong in such a fancy place".
Aemond slowly looks you up and down, a small smile hidden in the corner of his lips as he speaks quietly, his voice calm and soft, "You have nothing to worry about, Y/N. Now, I would advise you to study the menu before you order".
"Why is that?". You ask, furrowing your brows as the dark haired bartender approaches the two of you, one menu in his hand.
"Evening, Aemond." The guy smiles before handing you the menu, "Evening, Miss".
"Evening, Adam," Aemond greets, nodding, "I will have the usual".
"Of course." Adam replies with a smile before turning his back to the two of you.
You send Aemond a skeptical look before you turn the first page and your eyes immediately go big and round as you spot the first price that pops into your view.
"1500 dollars for one damn drink?!," You half whisper, half shout, "That is insane! I can't drink anything here, Aemond".
"Why not?". This time Aemond is the one furrowing his brows as he glances at you.
"Because despite the fact that you pay me more than what an assistant usually makes, I am not paying this much for a simple drink! These prices are crazy." You shake your head as you quickly study the rest of the list, your heart nearly fainting once you realized that the first price you noticed is for the "cheapest" drink.
"If you think I invited you out only to let you pay, you are mistaken, Y/N," Aemond smiles softly, his hand brushing against yours lightly, "I might not be very patient with my wife, but I can assure you I am a gentleman. And the drinks here are not simple, trust me, our bartender knows what he is doing. I would suggest trying Platinum Passion if you are in doubt".
Gaping at the taller blonde, you merely shake your head at his advice.
"Are you sure about this?." You ask and Aemond nods, smirking, "Yes. Dont be shy. I promise you, once you have tasted the drinks here, you might just beg me to bring you back".
"Is the lady ready?". Adam asks once he returns with Aemond's drink and you give the man a nod, giving him a small smile since you feel slightly out of place, "Yeah..eh, I will have the Platinum Passion cocktail, please".
"Alright." Adam gives you a small wink before he hands Aemond the drink.
"So this is where the rich people go to avoid us poor people?". You joke as you look around, and though you have an amused look on your face, you can't deny the fact that your joke might be the truth as your eyes land on the woman with the Hermes bag again.
"It's a safe place, I suppose." Aemond shrugs.
"What do you mean?". You glance at him, a bit confused.
Aemond glances at you again with a small smile, "If you were here simply because you were looking for a good fuck or two, you wouldnt even be here. This establishment is for business people, and by that, I really do mean business. The atmosphere up here is relaxing indeed, but trust me, there is always someone trying to sell the next thing and there is always someone who is looking for something to invest in before the other sharks can smell it. Adam, our dear bartender, knows everyone here, and trust me, they do not easily let strangers in".
"I am here though and he doesn't know me." You point out which only causes Aemond to give you a handsome grin, his hand yet again brushing against yours.
"You are with me." He says quietly, "That is the only confirmation Adam needs".
"Fair enough." You reply just as the dark haired guy returns with a very, fancy looking drink. You almost feel guilty knowing you are going to be drinking such an expensive cocktail.
"Taste it," Aemond challenges you, "You won't regret it".
"I am worried if I do taste it, I might just beg you to bring me back one day." You chuckle quietly and Aemond only smirks, "You say that as if it is a bad thing".
You dont reply, but instead, you slowly take a sip from the cocktail, allowing the taste of honey, passion fruit and champagne to fill your mouth, making you feel somewhat unholy. Not to mention guilty, again.
"How is it?". Aemond smirks, though you both already know your answer. You dont even bother saying anything, but instead you take another sip, giving him a knowing look which he returns with a grin, chuckling softly, "I suppose I will have to bring you with me the next time I come here then".
"I am afraid so. Looks like you will be stuck with me another evening then." You chuckle softly.
Leaning closer to you, his hand now resting firmly against your own hand, Aemond gazes at you and there is an intensity in the depth of his orb that completely stuns you and you find yourself gazing back at him again.
"It will be my pleasure, Y/N." He whispers quietly. His eye slowly falls down to your lips for a second, and you swallow, feeling at loss for words as he scans your face slowly before he leans back, a smile dancing on his lips now as the two of you look at one another.
Not sure what to say, your heart speaks before your mind can stop you, "What did you mean earlier when you said that the fights with your wife used to be exhausting?".
Something dark suddenly flashes through his eye as he looks at you, and so you quickly give him a funny look, laughing nervously, "I am sorry, forget it. It is none of my business".
"It is not, but I dont mind answering." Aemond speaks after a moment, ignoring your flustered look as you try to focus on the next sip instead. At his words, you slowly raise your head again and look at him, waiting for him to go on.
"Our arguing used to be draining back when I cared, or at least tried to care," Aemond tells you, months of exhaustion and loathing lace his voice as he continues, "I think I have realized that she does not care for me either, so she can hardly blame me for not giving a damn about our marriage. I have better things to do than argue with someone who acts like a spoiled brat and who does not appreciate the things I do for her".
"Forgive me for saying this, but I honestly believe you deserve better." You scoff as you move one leg over the other. The small movement doesn't go unnoticed by Aemond and you notice his eye dwelling on your leg for one moment before he looks back at you with a thoughtful expression, "There is nothing to forgive, Y/N. We share the same conclusion and if it helps, knowing we have the same view on this subject, relaxes me".
"How so?". You ask sincerely and you suddenly find your voice barely audible, but as Aemond tilts his head at your question, you know he heard you.
"Because right now, you are one of the few good things in my life and you have always been honest with me. Not only do I respect your opinions, Y/N, but I trust them as well." Aemond tells you, nothing but integrity and honor cloud his voice as he gazes at you.
"Well, Im glad." You reply dumbfounded, your heart beating harder all of the sudden and though the light in here is quite dim and dark, you will not be surprised if Aemond notices the faint redness that is slowly making its way on your cheeks. Did he, the famous, rich, Aemond Targaryen, just tell you that you are one of the few good things in his life?
"You understand me." Aemond goes on quietly, and you can't help but notice that he has leaned slightly toward you again. As his finger slowly begins to make a small circle on your hand, you feel that shiver run down your spine again and you watch, almost hypnotized, as Aemond leans closer. You can smell the martini now, along with his cologne, and for some weird reason, your mind goes blank as Aemond's soft voice speaks again, "You are pretty much the only person I know who has no problem questioning my authority even though I know you trust me. You challenge me, make me debate and analyze every option I have before I make a business decision and I like that. Not many of my staff dare make me rethink something which I wish they would do. You have also made my work much easier than it used to be because I trust you as well. You have done an excellent, no, I will say, a perfect job as my assistant and I know when that day comes when you decide to quit working for me, I might have to take a month or two off just to get over it and not to mention prepare myself for not seeing your pretty smile every day".
"Who said anything about quitting? I love my job, I can't picture leaving your company any time soon," You reply softly and there is a small smirk in the corner of your lips as you add, "Maybe you are stuck with me for the rest of your life".
"That doesn't sound so bad." Aemond chuckles quietly, his eye on you as he watches you study his finger which is still lightly making circles on the top of your hand. He knows he shouldn't be touching you like this. Not only is he a married man, but he is also your boss, but as he takes in the lovely sight which is you, the way the dim light cascades down your features, he can't deny that it's been a while since he felt this way. There is just something very captivating about you, something he can't entirely put his finger on and lately, he has found himself pondering what life would have been if he had been with you instead of his lousy wife.
The sentence slips out of his mouth before he can stop himself, "In another lifetime, I wouldnt be surprised if I was married to you instead".
"Well, this lifetime is far from over, Aemond." You giggle innocently, yet there is no denying the subtle message in your comment as he watches you lean forward as well and as the smell of your sweet perfume reaches his nostril, Aemond knows he is done for as you gaze back at him from beneath your long, dark, lashes.
Almost closing the small gap between the two of you, Aemond tries his best to ignore the fact that his marriage ring is still wrapped around his finger, but he quickly forces that thought out of his mind and instead focuses on the fact that he can nearly count every one of your lashes before he whispers smoothly, yet quietly so only you can hear his alluring comment, "Dont tempt me, Y/N".