The offer
1142 Words
BECKER
I lean forward, resting my arms on my desk. Studying her pale face, I notice the light freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks; her plump red lips, then I look up to her eyes. She’s watching me, taking me all in. I smile, knowing I have the affect on her. She suddenly realises she’s been staring at me, her cheeks blush red and she looks away instantly. Gathering herself, she finally turns to me. “So what can I do for you? It’s my understanding that you want me to redesign your home, I’m a little confused as to why? From what I’ve seen so far it all looks stunning. What could you possibly want to change about it?” Her accent isn’t American. She isn’t from here, maybe that explains why she didn’t know who I was yesterday, although I’m sure she’s well informed now. She sounds British. I wonder why she moved to America? She’s found her confidence, taking on her role as a designer. I’m not just a normal client though baby. And she’s about to understand that. I’m intrigued by her. She’s acting brave but we all know I can make her squirm.
I lick my lips, pondering how to respond. “I’m pleased you like it, clearly you have good taste. I want something fresh though. This has been like this for as long as I can remember. It’s time we had a change.” I lean back in my chair and watch as she nods her head, understanding my thoughts. “Something fresh. Any particular style you lean towards?” “Dark. Powerful, wealth.” She nods her head “would you like to see my portfolio?” I shake my head. “No need. Like I said to your boss. I’m sure you can deliver and if not, I have no issue killing you” she laughs nervously thinking I’m joking but then her laugh dies off. She suddenly realises I’m serious. “Okay then.” Is all she replies. My eyes squint in disbelief. Did she really just reply to my threat so causally. surely she’s aware now of who I am and what I’m capable of? Someone at the office must of told her? She continues to maintain eye contact with me. Refusing to back down. Clearly she needs to learn who I am.
I pass her a form across the desk, she seems confused “it’s a NDA. Everything you see inside this home and everything you hear is to stay within these walls. Do you understand?” She nods her head meekly and slowly reads the form. She signs it, and hands it back. “Here’s the contract. I know I’ve hired you through your company. However I like to work one to one. Not through a big company with many different levels. So you will be concentrating only on me. No other designs outside of this one. I require your full attention. I’ve already spoken to your boss and he agrees. Well. He didn’t get a choice to disagree. So this contract is simply between me and you. Your company will be paid a cut of the money. But the majority of it will go solely to you. That’s how I work. Understand.” She listens intently. “I have other designs and clients unfortunately Mr Ramono. I could always recommend another colleague who doesn’t have any work on that could give you their full attention.” Is she seriously trying to say no to me? I laugh. Coldly. Her eyes widen as she realises her mistake. “Laney, sweetheart.” I stand and make my way around the desk towards her. Leaning down to her ear I inhale slightly taking in her soft scent. She smells unbelievably good. I lower my lips to her ear, she stills in her chair. “No one says no to me.” I lean back and give her my best smile. “Now. The contract. Please have a read.” I motion to the papers stacked in-front of her. She glances at it then back to me, unaware of what to do next. She closes her eyes for a moment then leans forward taking the papers in her hands. She starts to read through the paperwork when she suddenly looks up at me concern all over her face. “I..it says here that I’m to ermm, to move in?” I smirk at her stuttering over her words. She seems visibly taken back. “Yes. I have a room ready for you. Like I said I like 100% dedication. Andre has already been back to your apartment and packed your things. They’ll be in your room ready for you.” Her mouth drops open in shock. She looks alarmed. “What?! He went in my apartment? You can’t do that that’s.. thats kidnapping!.” “Enough.” I stand and slam my hand on the desk. I’m growing tired of her arguing back and not respecting my position! She jumps back, visibly frightened now. “Listen. If I want to kidnap you I will. I’m the f*****g mafia sweetheart. I get what I want. You don’t say no to me, you will learn to respect my title. I’m simply showing you this contract to be nice. If I wanted to I could do all of this without one and not pay you. So I’d chose your battles very carefully little girl.” She flinches at my comeback. Knowing I have her where I want her. She can’t say no and she can’t run away. On that note I stand “follow me” I order. She complies and stands, I press the button on my desk opening my side door. My private space. She looks at the door leading down a dark stairway, not so clever now is she. She glances towards me realising I’m studying her reactions. Looking for weaknesses. With that in her mind I can see the determined look in her eyes. She wants to prove she isn’t scared. Silly little girl. She straightens herself out and leads the way down the spiral staircase. I flick the lights on which illuminates my hidden room. I hear her gasp, walking around her so I can get a good look at her face she looks shocked, nervous but one emotion I can see hidden within her eyes that I wasn’t expecting to see is curiosity. “This is the main room I want designing. It needs to be able to hold all my needs. I don’t want my whole home designed. Ms Watson. Just my private room. And like I said previously. You will be staying here until it is complete. Please take your time in here. And when your ready, that contract will be waiting on my desk.”
- Writer
