Illicit Touch (English. GxG)

Conflict of Interest

I didn't have to wait long to meet Austin. When we entered his room, he was occupied with his iPad. Like her mother, he had silky brunette hair. I saw his eyes were similarly crystal blue when he turned to face us. However, I wished I could see him smile. When Natalia approached him and informed him that he would be getting a new nanny, the boy simply sighed and returned his attention to his game.

According to Natalia, Austin was only seven years old but already causing problems in his school. That was why she wished I could stay longer than those nannies who worked for her son. She didn’t know exactly what was the root problem of Austin though.

But at least he wasn’t throwing things this time like what he’d been doing before we arrived — That was what Lydia, Natalia’s resident employee, said when she welcomed us. She knew the kid so well, however, the kid’s welfare wasn’t her job. She said Natalia’s accounting stuff in the house was her main concern. The house had other household employees but none was really in-charge of Austin.

After Natalia presented me to her son, she began to tour me around. First, we went to the pool which was being cleaned at the moment. She stood under a huge umbrella near the water, sighing as she looked at the aquamarine pool.

"Charley, we need to talk about the setup," she said, her tall figure giving her a dignified air. "You know, I'm wary of hiring a babysitter for my son and then having them tell me one day that they couldn't tolerate Austin's attitude anymore." So this time, I'm hoping you'll commit to staying until his behavior improves."

I shook my head. My gaze remained glued on her face despite the gorgeous panorama provided by the hill from afar. "I assure you that I will do my job to the best of my ability and effort. Austin is a kind kid that is easy to get along with. I just need to be patient with him because he still perceives me as a stranger."

She nodded. Seemed like she was really having a serious problem with regards to her son. “This means a lot to me, Charley. That’s why I want you to pack your things when you go to your apartment. You will be moving in here before six in the afternoon. I really wish you and my son will get along well so that my problems towards him will at least be lessened and—” The ringing of her phone interrupts her from discussing. More fine lines appeared on her forehead as she gritted her teeth and began to speak, huff rather, over the phone. “You mean Frank Devanaugh and his wife are on their way to the building? Wait, as long as I recall, the meeting with the Devanaugh Empire will be on Friday? … They what?!”

I took a step back and decided to focus my attention on the pool cleaners. Natalia was only standing, but her commanding booming voice seemed to blow anything away when it was assaulted by its fury.

I'm wondering if there was ever a day when she didn't yell... or fire people. Despite being a wealthy woman, I had not expected her to be under a lot of stress. I thought that her life was great and that she was content with the way she was living it. However, it appeared that she was far more complicated than I was.

"These people thought they owned the entire world's time. I would have backed out in no time if it hadn't been for the name of their hotel," Natalia grumbled as she tucked her phone into the pocket of her coat. When she raised her face to mine, my breath came to a halt; her expression was neutral, but her skin was still red. "I'd like to discuss everything with myself, but I'm afraid I need to get back to the office right now."

"Oh, it's not a problem at all," I assured her with a friendly smile. "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you. After all, I'm familiar with my responsibilities, and if I encounter any issues, your resident employee is around.."

"That's what I like from my employees: not asking me twice when I've already mentioned it." She fished out her phone and punched letters on the screen again, then sighed deeply as she returned my gaze. "Do you have a lot of stuff that requires moving van service?" she asked.

I shook my head. “Oh, no, Miss Natalia. I only got medium-sized luggage. And please don’t worry about me at all. I can commute back here.”

“A-alright?” She slowly nodded her head. But she didn't appear convinced just yet. "But now that you're my son's nanny, I want you to be as convenient as possible." So, take this with you..."

My gaze was drawn to the gleaming gold card she held up.

"Pay for the cab with this." Also, if you need to purchase something, don't be hesitant. Don't worry; the expenses will not be deducted from your pay. Consider it a welcome package. Your contract will be presented to you by Lydia."

She didn't wait for a response from me. The card was already in my palm the next thing I knew. Oh my... it was my first time handling such a valuable credit card. Having something from Natalia Johnson made me feel as if I had a great deal of honor, or even as if I was a member of her small family with an impossibly large fortune.

0o0

When I arrived at the flat around twenty minutes later, Hogue was already there. He greeted me with a kiss and a tight hug like he always does. Then we both sat on the huge couch.

"So, how was the big day, babe? Have you had a chance to speak with Natalia yet? According to what I've heard, some TV reporters have been barred from the Illicit Touch tower. And if they attempt to return, they will face charges. Isn't that ridiculous? She has just proven to us that she is concealing something. She can't avoid the media forever, though, because we have rights too. She won't be able to completely disconnect us from her business. Such a crazy bitch." He began laughing hard.

“Hey stop that…”

“What do you mean?” Hogue gazed at me, contracting his brows. “Are you on her side now? Wait, you still owe me information. So how did it go really? Have you met her?”

“W-well… yeah.”

Hogue raised my chin and urged me to gaze into his enquiring eyes. "Wow, that's fantastic. But why do you appear unhappy? Did she slap you or yell at you?”

The whole time I was with her, I was watching her yell. “No, Hogue. It was actually the opposite.”

“What do you mean?” he asked eagerly, raising his brow. “Babe, what really happened back there?”

“Okay, Natalia hired me. But not in the office. She appointed me as… as her son’s nanny.”

Hogue locked his gaze on me for a few moments. Then his lips arched upward into a grin, and he firmly embraced me. "Wow, babe! That's awesome! Oh, wow, you have a fantastic cover-up! We'll be able to gain access not only to her office but also to her home! Who knows what horseshit she sets down away there, right? I'm so proud of you, babe!”

He was ecstatic with my achievement as if he just won the lottery. Should I be celebrating too? This was a step up in my career at the Daily Express. However, the idea of living in her house just to spy on her made my heart clench.