Page 5 of Sin of Innocence

“Really? You know, Jason, I wouldn’t trust Franco Industries so easily,” I claimed. Liam was given everything he owns from inheritance, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was going to run it all into the ground. He was arrogant and believed he was far too pretty to ever have to do any productive, honest work. I couldn’t trust that obnoxious idiot with someone as thoughtful as Christina. Knowing that she was with him was enough to piss me off.

“I know. I even told Christina about how Franco is a terrible businessman. Sadly, she believes that this internship was best for the career she’s looking to pursue,” Jason explained.

“She can apply here. Christina is always welcome,” I voiced innocently. Jason seemed pleased with my words because the frown he previously wore had flipped into a grin full of gratitude.

“I’ll let her know. Thank you, sir,” he commented.

I nodded in response before sliding my glasses back onto my face. Jason didn’t waste another minute because he strolled past Matteo and into the awaiting elevator.

Matteo waited until Jason was completely gone before sitting the file down on my desk. “I’m so sor—”

“Do better next time,” I chided, “What does it say?”

“She is an intern for Liam Franco, but that’s not all. A lot of reporters had spotted them together at dinners and out walking. It looks as though they may be a couple,” Matteo informed me.

I quickly grasped the file and began to flip through the countless articles. No wonder she didn’t accept my offer, Liam was probably giving her the one thing I hadn’t yet,sex.

“Give me my keys. I’m going to be out for the rest of the day.”

3

CHRISTINA

“Thank you for the ride, Mr. Franco,” I yawned out. He smiled over at me before following me out of his vehicle. At first, I didn’t know what he was attempting to do, but after observing him walk me to my front door, my knitted brows managed to settle.

“No need to thank me. It is truly my pleasure, Christina,” he said, letting his hand run down my back. Instinctively, I moved away from his touch, followed by the tight-lipped smile that pierced my lips.

Liam Franco was a very touchy man. Something I quickly noticed about him was that every single time he was near a woman, he always felt this undying urge to touch them. I always pushed it aside as him just being affectionate, but I wasn’t too sure anymore.

“Well, I will see you in the office on Monday,” I claimed. He nodded his head slowly as his chocolate eyes peered into my own.

My hand was so close to the doorknob. I was too ready to open it up and slam the door in my boss’s face. The last thing I wanted was another attempt of his touch. Knowing that I could receive a negative reputation and possibly lose my internship, I stayed rooted in my spot in hopes that he would leave me be.

“Right, Monday,” he smirked.

My thumping in my chest seemed to exhilarate as he began to lean in. There was nothing I could do as my body completely froze in shock. It wasn’t until his lips pressed against my cheek that I finally realized what was happening. I hadn’t worked at any office before, but I knew employers didn’t just go running around kissing their employees. If that was the case, I would have never signed up to work in business.

“Okay, well, bye!” I hurriedly rushed out.

Without waiting for a response from Mr. Franco, I pulled open the door and slammed it shut behind. I moved with precaution as I locked every lock my door had to offer.

Mr. Franco began as a gratifying man who seemed truly genuine about giving me a shot, but that mask hastily rid itself just as soon as it came. I was really beginning to regret not applying for Emanuel’s office. If only it wouldn’t feel so sinful to work for the same man as my father. Thesameman who always had my hands itching to touch him.

Letting out an exhausted breath, I threw myself against the door. The internship took a lot out of me. Not to mention the continuous sprint of thoughts in my mind that only consisted of Emanuel Mariano. It was challenging not being able to go see him in a way that I really wanted to. My father would never accept the way Emanuel makes me feel.

I couldn't stop my gaze from wandering over to the picture of me, my father, and my mother on top of our shelf above the fireplace. Our happiest smiles wore themselves so naturally on our faces as we posed for a photograph in front of a beautiful waterfall. Sunlight kissed our hair, and nature sang through our clothes. We looked so peaceful—Dadlooked so peaceful. I had never seen him with such tranquil. He was finally beginning to get to that point again, and I was happy for him. As I chewed on my lip, I wondered how much worse his peace would get if he knew what I thought of his boss.

Stealing me away from my thoughts, a loud knock pounded against the door. I twisted the doorknob, expecting to see the creepy man I worked for. Instead, shock swam through me when I took in the alluring appearance of the only man I had ever fantasized about, Emanuel.

“What are you doing he—”

He lightly gripped my neck and pushed me into the front door, closing it as he entered. A storm was brewing in his eyes, leaving me dazed. I tried to open my mouth to speak, but I didn’t bother to say a word. Intimidation was his strong suit and it was beating up every word that dared fall from my tongue.

“You’re fucking him, aren’t you?” he furiously accused me.

I tried to grasp what the hell he was talking about, but I couldn’t. My mind was still trying to catch up with the simple fact that he was in my house,graspingme by my neck.

“Answer me, Christina! You’re fucking Liam Franco?” Emanuel shouted.

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