THE INTERVIEW
919 Words
I saw Nicholas Jackson for the first time in six years when the doors to his office opened. He was the person who destroyed my world.
It smelled like power and smooth wood in the room. The city could be seen through floor-to-ceiling windows, and Nicholas Jackson, the king of this kingdom, sat behind a huge black desk. I could feel my heart racing as his ice blue eyes locked on mine.
He didn't know who I was. Not yet.
I remembered everything about him, though. His broad shoulders, the sharp line of his jaw, and the way he walked like he owned the whole city, not just this building.
I made fists. Don't worry. Do your thing.
"Miss..." His voice was soft and low, but there was steel in it.
I replied, "Amarae Blake," in a steady but cold voice. "I'm here to apply for the job of executive assistant."
He looked at me from head to toe with slightly narrowed eyes. There was something bubbling beneath the surface, but it wasn't lust. Instead, it felt like he was tearing me apart and pulling off layers.
He told them to "sit."
As I crossed the room, each step echoed like the beat of fate.
Nicholas lipped his lips together and leaned back in his chair.
He told her, "You're not like the other people who applied." "They come in shaking, like they've practiced." You look like you belong here when you walk in.
I felt my lips slightly curl. "Perhaps I do."
Something flickered in his eyes for a second. Was he amused? Dare?but it was gone before I could get a hold of it.
He looked at my resume and asked, "You worked abroad?" "Wow, your file is great."
I said, "I change quickly." "And that scares me a few times."
He had a small smile on his face. "All right. Because weak people shouldn't work with me.
My heart shook. Not at all, Nicholas. Not me, but you should be scared.
Nicholas put his chin up. "Tell me why I should believe you in this office." Why should I let you be around me or my life?"
I sucked down the storm that was building inside me. I'm here to burn it all down.
I said, "Because I won't fail you," out loud.
When our eyes met, a wordless war broke out between us.
He tilted his head and looked at me very carefully, which scared me. "There's something dangerous about you."
It hurt to breathe, and I had to force a small laugh. "Dangerous?" "Mr. Jackson, I'm just a woman looking for work."
"Hmm." He leaned back again, but his eyes never left mine. "Most women who look at me the way you did want more than a job."
I didn't mean to, but my cheeks got hot. "You're not seeing things."
Nicholas smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "Am I?"
The door opened, and his secretary slipped inside before I could answer.
"The board is ready, Mr. Jackson."
Nicholas kept his eyes on me. "Let them wait."
After some thought, the secretary left.
I opened my eyes. He called off the whole meeting for this interview?
He stood there and circled the desk like a lion about to attack. I gasped for air when he stopped just a few inches away.
"Your CV looks good." "Too clean," he said in a low voice. "Don't leave gaps." No flaws. Almost... made up.”
I felt panic, but I tried to hide it with a calm smile. "Is it really a crime to be perfect?"
His voice touched my ear as he leaned in closer. It's not possible to be perfect. That means you're lying.
It stopped me in my tracks.
He stood up straight and smiled like he knew he had me in a trap.
"You interested me, Miss Blake," Nicholas finally said. "I also don't like being interested." It's...naughty."
I put him to the test by whispering, "Then don't hire me."
His eyes got hard, and I thought for a scary second that he might be able to see right through me. Instead, he laughed in a dark way.
He said, "No." "I believe I will hire you." "I might be interested in the game you're playing."
The words hit me like a bolt of lightning. He knew. He kept me close even though he didn't know who I was.
I was filled with anger. Okay. Nicholas, keep me close. I will find it easier to hurt you.
But I made a nice smile with my lips. "When should I begin?"
After some thought, he said, "Tomorrow."
His voice stopped me as I got up to leave.
"One more thing, Miss Blake."
I turned around.
His eyes never took their eyes off of me. "You have my word."
The air between us got thicker and heavier with things we didn't say, like hate, desire, and danger.
I had to force myself to look into his eyes. "Then don't."
Nicholas' mask came off for the first time. For a split second, he looked very hungry. Then it was gone, and cold calculation took its place.
When I got to the door, I heard him and almost to himself under his breath:
"I don't believe you..." I'm sorry, but I can't let you go.
My heart was racing as I stood there with my hand on the doorknob.
He already let me in, so I wish he knew. That would be his biggest mistake.
- Writer
