Page 34 of Twisted Fate

I nod. My jaw is clenched so tight I couldn’t speak if I wanted to. This is a terrible mistake. I can’t do this.

“Why don’t you follow me, and I’ll show you to my office?” he suggests in a level tone. He’s strictly business right now, and I’m all for it.

We walk side by side down a long hallway with clear glass doors lining each side.

“Are you not going to speak?”

“You haven’t asked me a question.”

He arches a brow at me. “You don’t strike me as an ‘only speaks when spoken to’ type of woman.” He knows my personality already, and it makes my stomach flip. Tristan seems like the kind of man that demands attention and whose attention is craved. My body becomes almost hyperaware when he’s watching me, as if it doesn’t know whether it likes it or not. Maybe it’s a fae thing.

I almost laugh. “You’re perceptive. I’m sure that’s useful in your position.”

He nods. “Indeed.”

I jerk my thumb back toward the guy sitting behind the desk in the entrance. “Your receptionist is lovely, by the way,” I say with a touch of a smile.

He shrugs. “He’s not a morning person.” We have that in common.

“What are we doing today?” I shift the conversation as we continue down the hall to a set of glass double doors.

“Wewon’t be doing anything. I’m handing you off to my chief of staff for the day.”

“My first day, and you’re already rewarding me,” I say sweetly.

He smirks. “Good to know you’re smart-mouthed during all hours of the day.” He pushes the door open, holding it for me until I enter his office, and follows me inside.

The far wall is made of windows, letting in the natural light and giving the room an incredible view of downtown. Near the windows, there’s a massive oak desk, covered with papers and a computer. Off to one side, a couple of couches and arm chairs surround a coffee table that matches the desk and the bookshelves lining the opposite wall. A flat screen is mounted above the seating area, and under it is a huge fireplace.

Tristan walks over to the desk and sits before pressing a button on his phone. “Miss Chen, our business student has arrived. Would you be so kind as to come collect her from my office?”

There’s a brief pause. “You’re seriously making me do this?”

Tristan says nothing, just sits there with a ghost of a smile on his lips.

“Fine,” the female voice snaps. “I’ll be right there.”

I stand by the door, tapping my thighs until it flies open and the fae woman I met when I was kidnapped waltzes through, looking like she’s on her way to the Met Gala.

Tristan stands, fastening the button on his dark suit jacket. “Skylar, you remember Aurora. She’s a fourth year business student here to learn from my company. I would like you to mentor her.”

Skylar sighs before glancing at me. “You can’t stay away, can you, little human?”

I swallow. “I don’t have a choice. I need this to graduate.”

She looks me over, her eyes narrowed with judgment. “Lucky me.”

“Play nice, ladies.” Tristan chuckles from behind his desk.

We both shoot him dark looks.

“Follow me,” she growls and walks back out the door.

I walk quickly, worried she might leave me behind in hopes of getting rid of me. I catch up to her halfway down the hall. “Look, I know this isn’t ideal for you. I get that you don’t like me, and that’s fine. All I ask is that you don’t make this hell for me. To be honest, I’m relieved I don’t have to work with Tristan.”

Skylar stops dead and whirls to face me, forcing me back a couple of steps. “You think I’m going to make this easy for you?” She barks out a laugh. “Think again, Aurora. You might think you got off easy when Tristan stuck you with me, but you’re wrong. Piss me off once, and you will regret it. Is that clear?”

I nod. “Do you hate all humans?” I ask in a low voice.

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