Page 51 of Carnal Games

She sounds genuine, yet I have a gut feeling that she’s saying this to prepare me for what she says next. “What’s the second?”

“Your relationship with the Singhania family.”

A crushing feeling slumps my shoulders.

My face falls to the ground as I receive my first reality check of the world of the influential. It’s corrupt, led by selfish motives.

“I don’t see what that has to do with my job.”

“I’ll share that in a minute. But first, I need to know how serious you are about your goals.”

“Very.” I look her square in the eyes. “I’ve dreamed of it my entire life.”

After a soul-searching look where I hold my breath, she nods and dumps a stack of folders on the desk. “I received a tip about a case where girls were going missing over several months. The one thing they all have in common, they all worked as temps at Kinetic Securities Pvt. Ltd.”

I can’t contain the small gasp that escapes my lips in a rush at hearing Kian’s company’s name. His firm is under investigation? He wouldn’t hurt or kidnap girls, would he?

“You think he’s running a racket?” I manage to ask in a firm voice.

“We don’t know much. I need more information, facts, something juicy before I can publish an article. It’s where you come in.”

“Me?”

She pauses and tilts her head. “It’s the perfect opportunity to dip your toes into the investigative side.”

“You’re asking me to spy.”

“Not spy. I’m asking you to help discover the truth and help find these women.”

“But the interview?”

“A way in,” she confesses. “It was a test to check your skills, which you failed. But I’m willing to give you a second chance. This time with an offer to motivate you.”

“What’s the offer?” I ask with anticipation.

“Help me cover the case and I’ll have an offer letter for the position of a junior editor atSahara Timesready for you.”

Her offer is like staring down the barrel of a gun.

However, the choice isn’t between life and death.

It’s between….my dream job and my dream man.

Chapter Fourteen

Iris

Sitting in the back seat of the cab, my legs continuously cross and uncross as I stare at the headquarters of Kinetic Securities Pvt. Ltd past the divider on the traffic-jammed road. Despite the low air conditioning in the interior of the cab, a line of sweat glides down my back the closer I get to Kian’s office building.

The peak of summer heat, combined with my pencil skirt and tucked-in high-neck blouse, doesn’t help matters. I’m a summer dresses kinda gal. They’re cute and comfy and doesn’t make me sweat like I’m being boiled in a frying pan.

The only thing I love about my outfit is the red stiletto heels that match my blouse and were a present from Bianca.

Most girls would hate wearing them, but me—I love everything about them. I’m obsessed to the point I could probably sleep in them. It’s not just the extra inches they provide to a shorty like me, but the pretty feel of them on my feet and the confidence I feel while walking in them.

The day I earn enough money and become rich, I’m going to go on a shopping spree and purchase a room full of them.

The cab finally moves, only for the driver to pump the brakes after a mere meter.

---