Page 5 of Wanted

I gritted my teeth.Quit thinking with your pants and think with your head, Kass.

As if aware I was suddenly paying attention again, the Count arched a cool brow and said in a low, menacing voice, "I have three rules for anyone who works with me or lives with me, Kassandra."

I froze as a prickle of foreboding crept down my neck.

"The first rule, Kassandra, is no lying. Ever. Without exception. So, before I terminate this interview and have you escorted out, I will give you one more chance to answer my question. Why are you applying for this job? This time, I want the truth."

He never raised his voice, but there was such power behind his words I felt compelled to obey, and that terrified the ever-loving shit out of me.

This was the moment I should have gotten the hell out of there. But I didn’t. I couldn’t.

Still, I needed to know what I was playing with, so I asked, "And what are the other two rules?"

His dark brows creased with displeasure. "We will go over those should you get the job."

It was my turn to frown. What a freaking strange interview. I sucked in a breath as I prepared a suitable combination of the truth. Then, I smiled, knowing exactly what I’d say. After all, a lie is always most believable when it contains a kernel of truth, and my lie had the advantage of being entirely true and entirely a lie at the exact same time.

"The truth is, I came back home after being gone for some time to help take care of my little brother after my mother died. I need a job, and this town isn't exactly overflowing with them. I'm a shit housekeeper and I couldn't care less about 'innovative cleaning techniques', but Iama hard worker and I will learn to do what you want and do it well, should you hire me." Let's see what he did with that. I raised an eyebrow at him as if to say, "ball's in your court, buddy."

He studied me for a long time. I didn't know if he was waiting for me to crack or what, but I didn't play his game. I just sat patiently, waiting. I could do that all night.

Finally, he smiled. It was brief, and it didn't reach his eyes entirely. Eyes that looked weighed down with so much pain it couldn't be hidden.

"Very well, Miss Blackwood, you're hired. You may move in tonight and start tomorrow."

"Thank you, I—" I paused as his words sank in. "Wait, what? Move in?"

He nodded. "Were you not aware? This is a live-in position. That's non-negotiable. Will that be a problem?"

I gulped.Yes. "No, not at all."

I plastered a smile on my face but inwardly I was already swearing at myself.What the hell are you going to do now? You're really up shit creek, Kass.

2

The third time my phone buzzed, Leonard's eyes dropped to my purse. "Feel free to attend to your personal business, Miss Kassandra. You will not offend."

I gave the butler a half smile of soft thanks and pulled out the phone. I’d much rather ignore it, ignorehim,but I knew I'd have to deal with him at some point. Might as well get it over with.

He’d sent several texts and I scanned them all quickly.

Update. Now.

NOW.

I'm not a patient man, Kassy. You should know that.

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON, KASS?

My reply was brief and to the point.

I got the job. Back off. Everything's going as planned. I'll get you what you need. You just better deliver on your part of the deal.

His response was immediate.

Check in daily. Or else. You know what happens to traitors.

I shoved the phone back into my purse, trying my best to ignore his threat but my body wouldn’t let me. My pulse quickened and even though the mansion was cool, sweat beaded my forehead. Flashbacks of the last time I was in this house hit me with brutal force.

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