Most of my life I’ve held onto dark secrets that broke me. No more. When I finally ran away from home and left my mother with the monster, I vowed to never keep secrets again. And in my work, that’s one of the most important traits I’ve found. Honesty and integrity.
He regards me with a small grin and nods. “Yes, the one and same.” With that, he turns and stalks toward his office. Before he disappears from sight, he offers, “I’ll leave you to get acquainted with the files on your desk, and your email is all set up. If you need anything, please let me know.”
Rounding the desk, I turn on the computer and shove my bag into the small cabinet. My corner is comfortable and the furniture is positioned in such a way that I can see him when he steps out of his office, but he can’t see me. The other desk next to mine is empty and I wonder who sits there.
As soon as my computer logs itself into the account, I find the mail app and open it. Within three seconds I have an email in my inbox from Mr. Ainsworth.
* * *
From: Bennett Ainsworth
To: Ella Carmel
Subject: Meeting – Midday Friday – Hamilton Enterprises
* * *
Dear Ella,
* * *
Firstly, welcome to Ainsworth International. I know you’ll be an asset to our firm and I can’t wait to see what you can do.
* * *
The first assignment will be with Mr. Hamilton. He’s a difficult man to please, but if you can give him what he’s looking for, your compensation will increase by 25%. I hope this pleases you.
* * *
If you ever have any issues at all, please come in and talk to me.
* * *
Kind regards
Bennett Ainsworth
Owner
Ainsworth International
* * *
Well, Bennett, I know my stuff, so your friend will get the best service he’s ever had. Without being too confident, I can’t help smiling. This is going to be easier than I thought. I know my shit and I’ll make this the easiest acquisition he’s ever seen. Hitting reply, I type out my response with a grin on my face.
* * *
From: Ella Carmel
To: Bennett Ainsworth
Subject: RE: Meeting – Midday Friday – Hamilton Enterprises
* * *
Dear Bennett,
* * *
Thank you. That’s very kind of you. I’ll make sure to have Mr. Hamilton smiling when we take him out to the venue after the meeting. And if he’s not happy with that property, I’ll do my utmost to find something he loves to ensure his satisfaction with our services.
* * *
Kind regards
Ella Carmel
Real Estate Broker
Ainsworth International
* * *
Sitting back, I open the folder and start my research on my newest client. Hamilton Enterprises is definitely going to bring in the cash from the figures which shows their income and what they’re looking to spend. No wonder Bennett wants me to bend over backward for Carter Hamilton. I thought it may just be because they’re friends, but this contract is worth millions.
Getting lost in the information, I make notes in the spiral-bound book I found in my drawer. I respond to emails as they come in. Glancing at the time, I notice it’s just hit midday. Without a break, I don’t notice I’m starving when I sit back to read through my documentation.
It’s only when I finish the last few notes do I notice my stomach is protesting. But I can’t fight the excitement that ripples through me at this opportunity. It’s been a long while since I felt at ease, and being here in these offices gives me that sense of calm.
I’m not sure if it’s Bennett, or if it’s the fact I’m so far from my past, but I find my mind is clear for the first time in years. Eight long years of nightmares and fear, but I’ve survived.
I am strong. I am strong. I am strong.
“You do realize you can take a break, right?” My boss’s deep voice comes from in front of me, startling me, and when I snap my gaze up, I realize I’ve been sitting here reading for almost five hours.
“I didn’t even notice how much time had passed,” I confess.
“I’m heading out for a late afternoon meeting. You’re welcome to pack up and head home. No working late in this office. I actually prefer you to get that beauty sleep you don’t need.” His mouth lifts.
A smirk. Devilish. Sexy.
“Thank you, Mr. Ains—” Realizing my mistake, I nod. “Bennett.”
He acknowledges me a moment longer, then disappears toward the elevators, leaving me staring at his retreating broad shoulders. He’s utterly beautiful. Like the man from the airport. Confident and cocky, but alluring and intriguing.
Sighing, I pack the folder, notebook, and my printouts about Hamilton International into my bag and turn off the computer. I head out with my mind on my meeting tomorrow, happiness bubbling in my stomach. It’s a foreign feeling. But I think I can get used to it.
Carter
My phone ringing drags my attention from the document I’m reading for today’s meeting and when I pick it up, I sit back and slide my finger over the screen. “Bennett, are you missing me? Can’t wait till midday to see my handsome face?”
He chuckles at my greeting. “fu*k off. I was calling to talk to you about my newest member of staff.”
My interest is piqued at this. My best friend told me he’d call me as soon as he could, but he was kept busy all day in meetings. He did, however, send me a photo of the woman in question and it is indeed my princess. I wanted to get more information from Bennett last night, but he had a loud of shit to deal with. I didn’t ask. “Okay?” My voice is wary when I respond.
“I’m definitely going to be getting some of that. She’s fu*king beautiful.” This has me laughing out loud. I’ve known him my whole life, but I’ve never heard him refer to a woman as beautiful. It’s been hot, sexy, fu*kable, but never beautiful.
“Yeah? And do you think she’s going to allow us in?”
He huffs at my question but responds with confidence. “She better because I’m hard just from shaking her hand. You were right. She’s exquisite. I thought about her last night, mate. I haven’t been so entranced by a woman in a long while.”
“Jesus, calm down, I really don’t want to know if your dick is hard right now.” He sighs and that has me more alert than anything. Bennett is your typical manwhore. He fu*ks them and before they’ve come down from the high he’s out the door.
“Her eyes are the color of an amethyst, Cart. It’s unique, just like her. I haven’t seen anything like it. She’s got an accent that I’d bet would sound amazing when she comes all over our dicks.”
I can’t help laughing at my best friend. “Well, I look forward to seeing her up close and as personal as you have. And don’t you go fu*king around with her and not telling me. I’ll have your balls, mate.”