Page 25 of Entwined

“I don’t understand,” she raises an eyebrow.

“No. I don’t suppose you would. Until recently, I wasn’t a good man. In fact, I’m probably still not. The devil doesn’t change overnight. If you are to work for me and turn everything around, I suppose you’ll need to know certain things,” I murmur, leaning closer. “But first, I need to be sure you are that person. I’ll trust you with my secrets if you explain this letter.”

“You’re not going to let that go, are you?”

“I never let anything go.”

She sighs, “I’ll take that drink now.”

“Water or coffee?”

“How about that bottle of Scotch behind you on the bar?”

“Ah, Miss Townsend, you are a surprising delight.”

“You speak strangely. It’s so formal and yet a bit…”

“Poetic?”

She nods.

I smile, my thoughts ripped away from the here and now and back to summer on the Med where my dove said the same exact words to me. Pain and longing war with each other, fighting to be the lead emotion swirling through me as I stare at the woman in front of me.

“You’re hired.”

“What?”

“Say thank you and accept. Here.” I open my briefcase throwing a thick envelope on the table. “It’s your compensation package… the usual onboard package with forms for you to fill out. The most important one is the non-disclosure agreement; sign that first. We’ll have dinner tonight. You’ll learn my dark secrets… I intend to hear yours, but now I must go meet with Mikmoto.”

She’s stunned, twisting the fabric of her skirt in her hands, she bites her lip, “This is the most unconventional job interview I’ve ever had.”

“Do you need some time to think about my offer? Look over everything. We’ll dine this evening.”

She nods taking the papers with shaking hands. “Don’t be frightened of me, my dark days are behind me.”

“Are they?”

“Mostly. There’s just one man left I need to destroy.”

“No. If you’re serious about change. You need to start now.”

I pause with my hand on the door, “You don’t know what he’s done to me.”

“I don’t need to. Men act like boys more than they care to admit. It’s time to grow up Mr. Devillo and let personal vendettas go, if we’re going to pull this off.”

My lips twitch. “Welcome to my world, Miss Townsend. It’s fast and full of surprises.

“That’s exactly what I need, Mr. Devillo. Just make sure I’m aware of them. The hardest part of PR is keeping the primary in line.”

“I might have to up your salary. No one has managed to do that yet… except…” I break off.

Jessie.

This is all about her anyway.

“How long will we be in Japan?”

“I’m not sure. It depends on how good the offer is. Buy whatever you need. I’ll have Trevor get you sorted until your company American Express card can be processed.”

“This job comes with a credit card?”

“It comes with everything, except me. I’m off the table.”

“You’re not my type.”

I smirk, opening the door. “I’m everybody’s type. I’ll see you at dinner.”

I like her. We are going to get on well together. Conversing with her is comforting, she reminds me so much of Jessie the way we verbally volley back and forth. Figuring who the hell I am is going to be so much more fun with her around.

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